Ann Widdecombe, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for The Brexit Party, appeared to defend conversion therapy in an interview.
Widdecombe appeared on Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday (2 June) when the interviewer brought up a column she wrote about conversion therapy.
The host read out an extract from the 2012 column: ‘That the unhappy homosexual should, according to activists, be denied any chance whatsoever to investigate any possibility to see if he can be helped to become heterosexual.’
However, Widdecombe doubled down on her views, saying that science may ‘produce an answer’ to homosexuality.
She said: ‘I also pointed out that there was a time where it was quite impossible for men to become women and vice versa.
‘And the fact we think it is quite impossible for people to switch sexuality doesn’t mean that science may not produce an answer at some stage.
‘If you simply rule out the possibility of it, you’re denying people who are confused about their sexuality or are discontented with it, the chances you do give to people who want to change gender.’
So-called conversion therapy is widely discredited by most medical boards. Prime Minister Theresa May pledged to ban the practice alongside a number of promises to the LGBTI community.
The American Academy of Paediatrics warned against it as early as 1993. They said it reinforced anxiety and shame.
Widdecombe’s comments have already spread across social media.
Gay author Justin Myers wrote: ‘Ann Widdecombe is a constant reminder that Pride Month is just 30 days, but a bigot gets to talk hateful bollocks all year round.’
Meanwhile, Labour MP Angela Eagle said: ‘FGS back to the future with pro section 28 relic.’
Widdecombe has frequently made comments against the LGBTI community. As a member of the British Parliament for the Conservative Party, she voted against LGBTI equality at every turn.
This included voting against the repeal of Section 28, equalizing the age of consent, civil partnerships, and same-sex adoption.
