Minister for Women and Equality Kemi Badenoch was warned of the risks of the planned ban. Transformation practice By a physician who has reviewed gender identity services for under 18s.
Dr Hilary Cass, a prominent pediatrician, said she had been “clear” with ministers that any plans to change the law needed to avoid causing problems for the profession.
Mr Badenoch is currently drafting legislation to ban proselytism, which is defined by the British Psychological Society as an attempt to change one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, the plan has been repeatedly delayed amid divisions within the Conservative Party, and there are reports that the bill could be delayed beyond the general election. Campaigners are calling for a ban to be introduced immediately to prevent lives being ruined by attempts to “fix” LGBTQ+ people to be themselves.
Any bill is expected to include protections for teachers, doctors and parents, with some Conservative MPs saying they could face criminal penalties if they advise children not to change their gender. thinking.
In an interview with the Guardian, Mr Kass said: “We have been very clear with the government that we need to be very careful with any legislation to avoid making the workforce problem worse than it already is.”
she reviewA paper published on Wednesday said medical experts expressed concern about “potential charges regarding conversion practices” and also noted that they were concerned about “potential interpretations of the law regarding conversion practices.”
Kass cautioned against “exacerbating fear in the profession”, citing concerns among some doctors that “a more sensitive approach would be called transphobia”. He said he had asked Mr Badenoch to pay the amount.
In her review, Cass said that professionals who support young people with gender dysphoria and concerns are “hidden in the shadow of an unhelpful and polarized debate around transition practices.”
He said some doctors fear being accused of engaging in “conversion therapy if they take a cautious or exploratory approach again” and that some clinicians fear “if their colleagues speak up and are consistent… “They are expressing fear of what will be said if they express an opinion that is not gendered.” Along with theirs. ”
She added that the legal framework is important when it comes to determining intent. “If you didn’t intend for someone to change their gender, and they happened to change their gender as a result of your therapy or interactions with you, they say you were doing it intentionally.
“That’s what people are afraid of. I have no idea how to legislate that, but what I can say is that we must avoid at all costs anything that frightens people further. That’s all.
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“If you can legislate a way to do that without exposing people to that fear or risk, that’s fine, but I don’t know how you would define a law for that. That’s why I’m glad I’m a doctor instead of a lawyer.”
Kass’s review states that no LGBTQ+ group should be forced to practice proselytism.
A study published last year found that more than 400,000 gay, transgender, or non-binary people refused treatment from someone who tried to change, “cure” or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity. It became clear that he had received it.
Rishi Sunak acknowledged that Kass’ findings highlighted the need for “very careful attention” in this area.
“We care above all about the well-being of children and it is clear that these actions, whether social transition or any medical intervention, are not neutral actions and that these actions “We have no idea what the long-term effects will be.”
“That is why those involved in considering these issues must, of course, treat people with great care and compassion, but they must also be extremely careful in taking any action. It won’t.”
A government official said: “The Kass review shows once again how important it is that the government takes the time to get this issue right.” Mr Kass said doctors are too scared to treat children who are questioning their gender. We have found that important conversations are not being had, with dire consequences. Therefore, we need to ensure that the ban on proselytism does not have unintended consequences, and that it is not currently in place. This is the work being done.”
