In a remarkable show of unity, cross-party backbenchers have joined forces to draft legislation aimed at banning the widely condemned practice of conversion therapy. This development comes in the wake of continued delays by the government, which had initially promised to address the issue back in 2018 under Theresa May’s leadership.
The bill, spearheaded by Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle and exclusively revealed by ITV News, intends to “prohibit practices” whose sole purpose is to “change or suppress a person’s sexuality, or change or suppress a person to or from being transgender.” It marks a pivotal step towards ending the suffering inflicted upon countless individuals subjected to these harmful practices.
Set to be debated on December 6th, this private members’ bill has garnered support from within the Conservative party as well, including prominent figures like Caroline Nokes, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, and Alicia Kearns, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. While private members’ bills face an uphill battle to become law, the momentum behind this vital legislation is undeniable.
Russell-Moyle expressed his gratitude for the bipartisan support, emphasizing, “Too many have suffered for too long; we have a responsibility to ensure no one else must suffer from this practice.” Such unity across party lines underscores the urgency of the matter and the commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from harm.
Conversion therapy survivor and former government equalities advisor, Jayne Ozanne, commended the MPs involved, highlighting the unprecedented collaboration between parties. Ozanne’s sentiment was echoed by Robbie de Santos of Stonewall, who emphasized that this united effort sends a resounding message that allowing the abuse of LGBTQ+ people to persist is intolerable, making it clear that this issue cannot be ignored any longer. It is a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, signaling a collective determination to put an end to conversion therapy and safeguard the lives and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.