UK’s ‘conversion therapy’ ban ‘on PM’s desk’ – but includes a ‘consent clause’
The government is said to have a draft bill for its long-awaited ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ ready for sign-off from the Prime Minister, though it includes a ‘consent clause’ for adults who wish to ‘volunteer’ for the harmful practice.
Rishi Sunak is currently considering the wording of the bill before giving the Equalities Office the green light to move forward with it, ITV News reported. ‘Conversion therapy’ is typically defined as any attempt at changing or suppressing a person’s sexuality or gender identity and often involves techniques such as intensive prayer and, in some cases, electroshock therapy.
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. “The proposed legislation will have a loophole so large to render it meaningless” A commitment to banning it was first made by Theresa May’s administration in 2018, with the exact form the legislation will take being the subject of intense debate in the UK since then.
Boris Johnson’s government made a number of backtracks to these promises, resulting in fear from the LGBTQ+ community that the legislation would not include protections for all.
