The UK’s new equalities minister Kemi Badenock has halted work on banning ‘conversion therapy’. According to ITV News, the conservative politician has asked to review the current plans, meaning there’ll be yet another delay to outlawing the harmful practice.
Typically defined as any attempt at changing or suppressing a person’s sexuality or gender identity, ‘conversion therapy’ often involves abhorrent techniques such as electroshock therapy or prayer.
It has been widely condemned by health experts and bodies all over the world, including the National Health Service and the World Health Organisation, with some comparing it to torture.
A commitment to banning ‘conversion therapy’ was first made by Theresa May’s administration in 2018, though is yet to be implemented in the UK; meaning four consecutive prime ministers have failed to deliver on their manifesto promise.