Despite LGBT activist claims of widespread abuse, Northern Ireland’s healthcare system has received virtually no complaints about so-called ‘conversion therapy’, newly released FOI data reveals. A new set of Freedom of Information (FOI) responses has dealt a major blow to the campaign for a law. All but one of Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care… Continue reading FOI responses debunk claims of ‘conversion therapy’ problem in Northern Ireland
Category: Blog IE
The latest ‘Orwellian’ conversion therapy law
By James Kennedy The term ‘Orwellian’ is overused. A year ago, I wrote on the subject in an article for Parliament News. I said that if people were really interested in Orwell, they wouldn’t fall for the rhetoric on ‘conversion therapy’: “Everyone pretends they have read Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four”, I opened, “But they haven’t; I’m… Continue reading The latest ‘Orwellian’ conversion therapy law
Irish Govt commits to ‘advancing’ conversion therapy legislation
The new Irish Government has said it will “Advance legislation to ban conversion practices” in its Programme for Government. The draft Programme was agreed last week, and officially endorsed by Fianna Fáil on Sunday, which has partnered with Fine Gael and several independent TDs to form the new coalition Government. Controversial legislation on ‘conversion therapy’… Continue reading Irish Govt commits to ‘advancing’ conversion therapy legislation
Conversion therapy plans – what will happen in 2025?
It’s been a busy year for the campaign. We’ve had Private Members’ Bills, amendments, consultations, and of course changes of Governments. As we approach the end of 2024, here’s an overview of where legislation is at across the UK and Ireland. England and Wales The Westminster Government remains committed to bringing forward a draft ‘conversion… Continue reading Conversion therapy plans – what will happen in 2025?
Conversion therapy law could harm young women and girls: UN expert
by James Kennedy A new law on conversion therapy could harm young women and girls, warns a UN expert. The Telegraph interviewed Reem Alsalem, who is the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls. She explained that a conversion therapy law could promote the very abuse it is supposed to prevent. Young women… Continue reading Conversion therapy law could harm young women and girls: UN expert
Welsh Govt pays child sex offender to conduct ‘conversion therapy’ research
By James Kennedy The Welsh Government commissioned research into ‘conversion therapy’ from a company whose sole director was previously imprisoned for sexual offences against a minor. Welsh news outlet Nation Cymru shared the revelations earlier this week in excruciating detail. James Mullen was working as a teacher in 2013 when he was “found ‘writhing’ on… Continue reading Welsh Govt pays child sex offender to conduct ‘conversion therapy’ research
Swedish Govt lawyers advise against ‘conversion therapy’ law
Claims of abuse against LGBT people are regularly cited as reasons for new laws on conversion therapy. However, in Ireland, verbal and physical abuse is already criminalised, whoever it is carried out against. As the campaign in Ireland rumbles on, not one example has yet been found of a practice that ought to be outlawed… Continue reading Swedish Govt lawyers advise against ‘conversion therapy’ law
Government finding it impossible to legislate on conversion therapy
By James Kennedy The Government is not expected to legislate on conversion therapy before an election, the Irish Times reports. Despite gaining Cabinet agreement over a year ago in June 2023, the Bill has been stuck in drafting ever since. Equalities Minister, Roderic O’Gorman TD (Green Party) is responsible for the Bill’s legislative progress. The Irish Times… Continue reading Government finding it impossible to legislate on conversion therapy
Inside the chamber: a closer look at the ‘conversion therapy’ debate at Stormont
by James Kennedy Last week, the Northern Ireland Assembly debated a motion on ‘conversion practices’. As I sat in the public gallery of the Stormont chamber, it was interesting to see the reactions and surprisingly conciliatory tone between MLAs. A similar debate three years ago ended in nasty quarrelling and apparently even played a part… Continue reading Inside the chamber: a closer look at the ‘conversion therapy’ debate at Stormont
‘Conversion practices’ study authors cannot answer BBC interviewer on prayer
Last week, a new report on ‘conversion practices’ was published by The Rainbow Project – Northern Ireland’s version of Stonewall. Appearing on BBC radio show ‘Talkback’ earlier this week, the academics responsible collapsed into nervous laughter when asked whether church prayers and pastoral support should be criminalised. The study was written by several LGBT activists,… Continue reading ‘Conversion practices’ study authors cannot answer BBC interviewer on prayer