In a surprising turn of events, Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has come under heavy scrutiny from within his own party for the omission of a proposed ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ from the upcoming King’s Speech. This revelation has triggered a wave of discontent, with concerns that if the ban is not included in King Charles’s speech on November 7, it may not become law before the next general election.
Conversion therapy, widely condemned across government parties, is considered an abhorrent practice that needs to be criminalized to protect the rights and well-being of gay and transgender individuals. However, it appears that Prime Minister Charles has yielded to the demands of several far-right MPs, resulting in the removal of the ban from this week’s speech.
Growing Discontent Within the Conservative Party
The decision to remove the conversion therapy ban from the King’s Speech has sparked outrage among several members of the Conservative Party. Prominent Tory MP Elliot Colburn expressed determination not to let the matter rest, suggesting that alternative legislative routes, such as law and order bills, might be explored to safeguard LGBTQ+ individuals. Colburn emphasized, “Not to deliver on it would be absolutely appalling. The government had the opportunity to grab the bull by the horns and get this done. And now they’re essentially going to have to let parliament do it.”
Tory MP Dehenna Davison, who herself came out as bisexual in 2021, condemned the delay, stating, “It is shameful that, over five years after promising we would deliver a much-needed ban on conversion therapy, it now looks set to be kicked into the long grass.”
Calls for Transparency and Honesty
Amidst the controversy, Tory MP Alicia Kearns called on fellow party members to be transparent about their stance on conversion therapy. She urged those who believe in conversion therapy to openly acknowledge it, asserting, “The very least you can do is be honest with those you’re imprisoning in a cycle of imposed shame & self-hate as you reinforce bigotry.”
Despite the pressure exerted by a group of Conservative MPs to delay the conversion therapy ban, Colburn remains confident that a “massive majority” of the Tory party supports the ban.
This development represents the latest setback for advocates, LGBTQ+ organizations, and the wider LGBTQ+ community, who have long awaited the implementation of legislation to outlaw conversion practices initially promised by Theresa May’s government half a decade ago. Despite the twists and turns, including changes in leadership, the Conservative Party’s stance on this critical issue remains uncertain, leaving the LGBTQ+ community disheartened and disappointed once again.