The much-anticipated ban on conversion therapy in the UK, long-awaited by LGBTQ+ activists, faces renewed scrutiny as Stonewall calls for an all-encompassing and loophole-free approach. The government has pledged to release the draft legislation this year, but doubts persist regarding the extent of the proposed measures.
The Conservative party’s previous announcement in 2021 raised concerns due to its inclusion of exemptions for “consenting” adults seeking “professional help and guidance.” Fears now abound that similar loopholes may find their way into the upcoming draft. Nancy Kelley, the chief executive of Stonewall, emphasized that a ban on this harmful practice must encompass the entire LGBTQ+ community, leaving no room for exceptions.
As Pride Month commences worldwide, pressure mounts on the UK government to confront its inaction on LGBTQ+ rights and promptly introduce a comprehensive, enforceable ban on all forms of conversion practices. The clock is ticking, and the absence of legislation perpetuates the abuse and enduring harm suffered by more LGBTQ+ individuals each passing month.
Years of delays have plagued the promise of a conversion therapy ban in the UK. Initially pledged by Theresa May’s government in 2018, the ban has since encountered numerous obstacles and criticisms concerning its scope. Prime Minister Boris Johnson inherited this promise but has encountered further delays, even pushing for a ban limited to conversion therapy based on sexuality alone.
In 2020, shortly before the pandemic struck, Tory peer Baroness Williams assured the Government Equalities Office LGBT Leadership Summit of the government’s commitment to ending this practice. However, subsequent announcements by Liz Truss, then equalities minister, included religious exemptions, and Boris Johnson temporarily abandoned plans for a legislative ban in 2022, drawing widespread outrage. Although he later reversed course, the proposed law excluded protection for trans people.
Now, the UK government has confirmed that the long-awaited draft legislation will be published by autumn. UN independent expert Victor Madrigal-Borloz expressed perplexity over the protracted drafting process, given the significant support the ban has garnered among MPs. He revealed that consultations on the draft legislation for England and Wales have concluded, with a commitment to present it for pre-legislative scrutiny during the current parliamentary session, ending in autumn 2023.
LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop, advocating for a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy, emphasizes the urgency of this issue. Disturbingly, a quarter of all young people seeking support from their services have experienced some form of conversion therapy. It is imperative that the upcoming legislation effectively addresses this harm and ensures the safety and well-being of all LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK.