Delays on Conversion Practices Ban Faces Criticism
Campaigners are expressing disappointment over the ongoing delays by the Labour government in implementing a UK-wide ban on so-called conversion practices, suggesting it conveys a troubling message about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Saba Ali from the Coalition of Prohibition and Conversion Therapy stated that the government’s message is unmistakable. “We need to stop these delays and fulfill promises. It’s been seven years since this ban was first proposed, yet LGBTQ+ individuals remain vulnerable to abusive practices during government enforcement,” she said.
Ali added, “This ongoing inaction is not just disappointing; it’s quite dangerous. With each delay, we are suggesting that our lives are negotiable and our safety can be compromised.”
The coalition has emphasized its frustration further, noting that by spring, the government had repeatedly assured them of a bill aimed at banning all conversion practices targeting a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
A similar initiative fell apart under the Conservative government in 2022 due to concerns about including protections for trans individuals and avoiding “informed consent” loopholes.
Ali, who serves as the interim chair of the LGBTQ+ coalition founded in 2020, pointed out the need to criminalize the promotion and practice of these so-called treatments in all contexts, including religious settings, explicitly protecting trans and non-binary persons. They also seek genuine support for survivors and independent oversight to ensure accountability.
Growing unease among activists reflects concerns that workers might be hesitant to get involved following a Supreme Court decision that doesn’t legally impact the proposed ban, coupled with disappointing local election results for Labour. Reports indicate that Labour was urged to shelve plans for gender recognition reform earlier this year.
Earlier, Simon Blake, the new CEO of Stonewall, shared worries that advancements in Labour law could be exploited by those wishing to attack LGBTQ+ rights globally.
Ali acknowledged that Equality Minister Bridget Phillipson was repeatedly mentioned in Commons discussions last month. However, she asserted that Labour’s commitment to an all-encompassing ban must transition from promises to actual protections, stating, “Human rights should never be negotiable.”
A spokesperson for the British government remarked that conversion practices are a form of abuse that needs to be eradicated from society. They affirmed a commitment to legislation aimed at prohibiting these practices in the King’s speech legislative priorities.
This announcement follows the Scottish government’s decision earlier this month to discard its plans for an independent ban on conversion practices but confirmed collaboration with British counterparts for a UK-wide ban.
Kaukub Stewart, SNP Equality Minister, emphasized her government’s dedication to safeguarding the LGBTQI+ community from conversion practices, stating they would engage with Westminster. However, she indicated that should UK legislation not align with their priorities, they intend to propose their own bills in the next parliamentary session.
Blair Anderson, involved in the Scottish conversion therapy initiative, cautioned that waiting for progress in Westminster is detrimental. “Scotland has a chance to lead on this issue and be the first region in the UK to ban conversion therapy. Instead of allowing UK leaders to hinder Scottish LGBTQ+ rights, the Scottish government must once again advocate for the queer community,” he said.
