Scottish conversion therapy ban postponed in favor of UK-wide approach
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A bill aimed at banning conversion therapy in Scotland has been postponed in favour of pursuing a UK-wide initiative, as revealed in the Programme for Government.
First Minister John Swinney outlined his legislative priorities for the coming year on Wednesday, emphasising efforts to tackle child poverty.
According to ‘Independent’, the 47-page document released with the announcement outlined the decision to pause efforts for a conversion therapy ban in Scotland to collaborate with the UK Government on the matter.
The initiative for the ban was led by the Scottish Greens while in coalition with both Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, but faced opposition from some quarters, including religious groups concerned it might criminalise pastoral care. Although a consultation occurred, no bill was introduced.
The document stated that the Scottish Government would continue “our commitment to ending conversion practices in Scotland and work towards complementary approaches across the UK.”
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It further mentioned, “We will prepare legislation for introduction to the Scottish Parliament should a UK-wide approach not be achievable.”
“We will ensure inclusivity is central by enhancing support and services available to victims and survivors of conversion practices,” it stated.
The Scottish Greens criticised this decision, with the party’s equalities spokeswoman, Maggie Chapman, labelling it “deeply disappointing” and marking it as a “sad day for equalities in our country.”
“There is no justification for outsourcing this legislation to Westminster or joining a process that we know will likely cause extensive delays and might ultimately result in no action,” she commented. “Scottish voices would have limited influence, and many LGBTQIA+ individuals simply don’t trust the UK Government.”
“Scotland is capable of banning these practices now. There’s no need to wait for Westminster to act.”
Erin Lux, policy coordinator at the Equality Network, stated, “The primary concern should be implementing the best possible legislation to protect LGBT+ people from what the Scottish Government described, in its consultation introduction, as ‘damaging and destructive acts that violate the human rights of those undergoing them.’”
“By choosing to legislate here in Scotland, the Scottish Government would arguably have significantly more influence and capacity to end these practices in the most comprehensive and effective manner.”
In a post on X, previously known as Twitter, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville affirmed the Government's “full commitment” to the ban.
“The @thesnp @scotgov remains absolutely and fully committed to legislation to end conversion practices,” she posted.
“We aim to collaborate with the UK Government, but the work on a bill continues if collaboration is not feasible.”
Read related myGwork articles here:
Labour to include banning conversion therapy in King’s Speech
Keir Starmer to outlaw all forms of conversion therapy if Labour wins election
‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban Expected To Be Left Out Of King’s Speech
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