LGBTQ+ organizations and activists have expressed profound disappointment and anger over the UK government’s decision to exclude the proposal to ban conversion therapy from the King’s Speech. This move has been labeled as “frightful negligence” and has drawn criticism from various quarters within the LGBTQ+ community.
The King’s Speech, outlining the government’s legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session, made no mention of the promised conversion therapy ban. This decision follows years of assurances from the Conservative party that such a ban would be included. However, Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, faced intense pressure from certain MPs to withdraw the proposal.
Conversion therapy, which seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, has long been a contentious issue. Theresa May, the former prime minister, pledged to outlaw it five years ago, but successive Tory prime ministers have vacillated on their commitment to banning this harmful practice.
Jayne Ozanne, founder of the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, expressed her frustration, stating that the government’s decision displayed a “callous disregard” for the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. She urged people to voice their concerns through the upcoming general election, expected to take place in 2024.
Nick Baldwin, co-ordinator of LGBT Humanists, also condemned the government’s decision, emphasizing the need for comprehensive protection against conversion therapy for the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Robbie de Santos, Stonewall’s director of communications and external affairs, criticized the government’s failure to act, describing it as an “act of frightful negligence” that allows the abuse of LGBTQ+ individuals to persist. He called for evidence-based decision-making and emphasized the rights and well-being of England and Wales’ 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people and their families.
This latest development underscores the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the need for meaningful legislative action to protect vulnerable individuals from harmful conversion practices.