Thousands protest trans people’s exclusion from ‘conversion therapy’ ban outside Downing Street
Hundreds of people took to Downing Street on 10 April to protest the UK government’s decision to exclude trans people from a ban of so-called ‘conversion therapy’. “Trans rights are human rights” and “LGB with the T” were among the many phrases chanted by the crowd, which tripled in size in the space of around 30 minutes.
GAY TIMES attended the demonstration, which was so big that the police had to redivert Whitehall’s traffic around it due it spilling onto the street.
An array of LGBTQ+ activists and celebrities showed their support, with the likes of Jayne Ozanne and Peter Tatchell giving speeches to the crowd. “What do we want?” Ozanne, one of the protest’s organisers, shouted into a megaphone. “A ban,” the crowd responded. “Who must be in it?” she asked, with the audience united in declaring, “Trans people.” Those at the event held placards and waved Pride flags in the air.
Some signs included messages calling for a comprehensive ‘conversion therapy’ ban alongside pictures of Boris Johnson, whose administration backtracked on its previous commitment to a ban of the practice for all LGBTQ+ people.
