Conversion Therapy Is Still Legal In the UK, Government Says It Is A “Very Complex Issue”

Conversion therapy is still legal in the UK, after almost two years after committing to “eradicate” it. In 2018, then-prime minister Theresa May said the government would bring forward proposals to “end the practice of conversion therapy” but today's government has still made no moves to ban the ‘practice’.

Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch stated that the government considers it “a very complex issue” and has not yet decided how to proceed.

In a written parliamentary answer replying to a question about plans of legislation, Badenoch stated that “There are a wide range of practices which may fall within its scope and we want to ensure we have a thorough understanding of the situation in the UK to inform an effective approach. Before any decision is made on proposals for ending conversion therapy we must understand the problem, the range of options available and the impact they would have.

“We will work to deepen our understanding and consider all options for ending the practice of conversion therapy.”

Laura Russell, director of campaigns, policy and research at Stonewall commented on the issue telling ‘The Independent’ that “Any form of ‘therapy’ that attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity is unethical and wrong.

“These so-called conversion therapies have been condemned by all major UK health organisations as they try to shame a person into denying a core part of who they are, and this can have a seriously harmful impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

“The National LGBT Government survey found that 2 per cent of LGBT people have undergone conversion therapy, and a further 5 per cent have been offered it. We’d urge the Government to remain committed to take the steps they can to end this harmful practice.”

Earlier this month, Albania became the third European country to ban conversion therapy for minors, following Germany and Malta who have also banned the ‘practice’.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Albania Has Banned Gay ‘Conversion Therapy’ For Minors

Germany Passes Law Banning Conversion Therapy For Minors

One In Five LGBT+ People Targeted by Conversion Therapy In Colombia

European Parliament votes to condemn gay conversion therapies

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