Welsh And Scottish Governments Pledge Conversion Therapy Ban
Following the much-condemned decision by the UK government to drop its long-promised ban on conversion therapy last week, which was quickly U-turned in 4 hours with the caveat that it wouldn't cover trans people, the devolved governments of the UK responded.
Under the constitutional settlement in the UK, the government's ban would only have applied to England and Wales. However, the Scottish and Welsh Governments, with competences in this area, issued statements reaffirming that they found the practice abhorrent and that they would move to ban the practice nonetheless – including trans people, if the Westminster government would not.
"The UK Government's U-turns on banning conversion therapy have been alarming and shameful. They have chosen not to protect our transgender community. This is completely unacceptable.", said Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford.
"The strength shown by the LGBTQ+ community has been remarkable and far beyond a ‘noise’ to be managed.
Here in Wales, we stand united – understanding that none are equal while rights are up for discussion or barter.
The Welsh Government has requested urgent legal advice on the actions we are able to take to ban conversion therapy here in Wales.
We will continue to do all we can to protect our LGBTQ+ community and we will seek the devolution of additional powers where necessary."
In Scotland, Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Conversion practices that try to change a person’s sexuality or gender identity are harmful, discriminatory, and have no place in our society. We are committed to ensuring Scotland has legislation that will be comprehensive in banning conversion practices as far as possible within our devolved competences while safeguarding the freedoms of speech, religion and belief.
“We are also considering what non-legislative steps we can take to end conversion practices, and support survivors.”
The U-turn, of course, is in itself to return to the original government position – to ban conversion therapy, first promised four years ago – which the government briefly U-turned from on Thursday evening, Trans Day of Visibility. The return to the promise, but that it wouldn't include banning conversion therapy affecting trans people, has been described by many critics as "disappointing" and "a betrayal of the trans community."
Read related myGwork articles here:
Boris Johnson Vows To Ban Conversion Therapy
Boris Johnson Urged Again, By Yet More Experts, To Get On With Conversion Therapy Ban
Government To Ban Conversion Therapy In Queen’s Speech
Nicola Sturgeon Gives Boris Johnson Conversion Therapy Ultimatum: Ban it, or I will
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