In a remarkable display of cross-party collaboration, backbench Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties in the United Kingdom have joined forces to draft groundbreaking legislation aimed at banning all forms of so-called ‘conversion therapy.’ This legislation is set to be introduced in the House of Commons on December 6, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
The proposed bill, according to ITV News, seeks to “prohibit practices whose predetermined purpose is to change or suppress a person’s sexuality, or change or suppress a person to or from being transgender.” Spearheading this legislative effort is Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, with the noteworthy support of nine Conservative MPs, including Caroline Nokes, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, and Alicia Kearns, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, both of whom have been vocal advocates for the ban on ‘conversion therapy.’
Although the bill won’t face a vote until at least March, it is expected to garner support from opposition parties such as the Liberal Democrats and Labour. However, it’s important to note that private members’ bills introduced by backbench MPs often face significant hurdles to becoming law, as they typically require government support.
Campaigners are optimistic about the prospects of finally banning ‘conversion therapy’ in the wake of this drafted legislation. Jayne Ozanne, Chair of the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, expressed gratitude towards Lloyd Russell-Moyle and the Conservative MPs who have rallied behind the cause. Ozanne emphasized the critical importance of protecting young LGBTQ+ lives and called attention to the unprecedented cooperation between MPs from different parties.
The commitment to banning ‘conversion therapy’ dates back to Theresa May’s administration in 2018, but the exact form of the legislation has been a subject of intense debate in the UK. The omission of this promise from the recent King’s Speech raised concerns within the LGBTQ+ community, leading to protests outside Downing Street. ‘Conversion therapy’ is typically defined as any attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexuality or gender identity, often involving harmful techniques such as intensive prayer and, in some cases, electroshock therapy.
As the legislative process unfolds, the world will be watching closely as the UK takes a significant step towards protecting the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.