Groups say UK LGBTQ conversion therapy ban efforts not enough
LGBTQ charity groups lauded the recent efforts of the UK LGBTQ conversion therapy ban, but said this was not enough.
The UK government had recently set out proposals to ban the practice of harmful conversion therapies against LGBTQ people, especially those under 18 years old.
Loopholes in UK LGBTQ conversion therapy ban
LGBTQ charity groups have spoken out about the government’s efforts, particularly with the recommendation that consenting adults should be able to undergo the conversion therapy.
This ‘loophole’ is considered as ‘dangerous,’ said critics, and the plans should go further to outlaw the practice altogether.
In particular, Dr Paul Martin OBE, CEO of the LGBT Foundation in Manchester, told Manchester Evening News that there can be “no informed consent” to the practice.
Martin added that “the government stops short of acknowledging that religious interventions should be included in any proposed ban despite recognizing that conversion therapy does exist in different contexts.”
“Similar to the concern around consent, this leaves a potential loophole that can continue to cause serious damage to LGBTQ+ people’s wellbeing,” he said.
Consultation on creating laws against the practice
The UK government is presently conducting consultation on how to make coercive conversion therapies illegal in England and Wales.
The Government Equalities Office said cited ‘loophole’ recognizes the “plurality of experience” such that adults may seek counselling help them live their lives according to their beliefs.
“We do not intend to ban adults from seeking such counselling freely, but consent requirements will be robust and stringent,” they said.
This six-week consultation will come up with proposed new laws by spring 2022 to protect LGBTQ people to ensure individuals cannot promote or profit from the practice of conversion therapy.
The government will also make funding available to support victims of conversion therapy practices, and make sure that those who need help can access it
UK LGBTQ conversion therapy ban proposals
Most of the violent forms of conversion therapy are already covered under offences. However, the proposals would make all forms of coercive conversion therapies illegal.
What’s more, where conversion therapy is the motive for violence, judges can consider it as a potential aggravating factor in sentencing.
While the proposals will also ensure that regulated clinicians are protected, and can continue their work, the proposals will target practices in which people have not willingly agreed to undertake.
“There should be no place for the abhorrent practice of coercive conversion therapy in our society,” Minister for Women and Equalities Liz Truss said.
Minister for Equalities Mike Freer added: “Everybody should be safe to be themselves at home, in the workplace and going about their daily lives.”