In a disheartening turn of events, it appears that the long-anticipated ban on conversion therapy will once again elude the legislative agenda, as it remains conspicuously absent from the upcoming King’s Speech. This practice, widely condemned for its harmful effects on LGBTQ+ individuals, has been a subject of political promises and delays for years.
The journey towards a conversion therapy ban began five years ago under Theresa May’s government, and despite multiple Conservative administrations, it continues to face a convoluted path. Recent speculations regarding the inclusion of a draft bill in the King’s Speech on November 7th were met with uncertainty, as Rishi Sunak’s government reportedly encountered fierce opposition from some MPs.
Notably, the press release for the King’s Speech, which comes after a 70-year hiatus, made no mention of conversion therapy or a proposed ban. Instead, it emphasized economic growth, energy independence, and other priorities.
ITV News’ UK editor, Paul Brand, suggested that a conversion therapy ban is unlikely to materialize before the next general election, scheduled no later than January 28, 2025. The government appears to grapple with defining the scope of the ban and addressing concerns related to parental and educational rights.
This ongoing delay in banning conversion therapy serves as a profound disappointment to activists, advocacy groups, and the broader LGBTQ+ community, who continue to advocate for the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals from this harmful practice. The elusive ban remains an unresolved chapter in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United Kingdom.