Legislation to ban conversion therapy will be brought forward in the coming months, the Government has confirmed. In the Queen’s Speech, which sets out the Government’s legislative agenda for the year ahead, it was confirmed that: “Legislation will also be introduced to ban conversion therapy.” Let Us Pray spokesperson Simon Calvert responded: “By pushing forward… Continue reading Westminster Government confirms ban on ‘conversion therapy’ in Queen’s Speech
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Welsh Government announces plans for conversion therapy ban
The Welsh Government this week gave more detail on its plans for banning conversion therapy. Powers to bring forward a criminal ban are not devolved to the Welsh Parliament, so legislation being prepared in Westminster is expected to include Wales alongside England. But recent changes, most obviously Boris Johnson’s announcement that ‘transgender conversion therapy’ would… Continue reading Welsh Government announces plans for conversion therapy ban
Conversion therapy ban will have “chilling effect on free speech”, campaigners warn
The free speech advocacy group, Free Speech Union, has warned the Westminster Government of the ‘inevitable’ chilling effect of a conversion therapy ban. In their response to the Government’s consultation on banning conversion therapy, the group expresses concerns over criminalising the expression of beliefs. They say: “Our concern is that “conversion therapy”, as currently under… Continue reading Conversion therapy ban will have “chilling effect on free speech”, campaigners warn
Conversion therapy ban activists adopt ‘no-debate’ policy
End Conversion Therapy Scotland offered a rather innocent-sounding comment recently about their media-handling policy: “We will not accept ANY request that will place a conversion therapy survivor up against those who promote or participate in this form of abuse.” (Twitter, @ECTScotland, Apr 2 2022) It sounds like a reasonable position. We all have great sympathy… Continue reading Conversion therapy ban activists adopt ‘no-debate’ policy
Westminster Government recognises need for caution over conversion therapy ban
Last week, a Westminster Government spokesman confirmed that the Government “will carry out separate work to consider the issue of transgender conversion therapy further”. This came after Boris’s announcement on 31 March that a ban would not include ‘transgender’ conversion therapy was met with a backlash from LGBT activists. In a statement published on 5… Continue reading Westminster Government recognises need for caution over conversion therapy ban
Activists score own goal as Govt cancels LGBT conference
The Westminster Government has cancelled its ‘flagship’ LGBT conference following a boycott by LGBT campaigners. The ‘Safe to Be Me’ conference had been scheduled to coincide with Pride month in June this year, aiming to showcase the UK as a ‘world-leader’ in LGBT rights. But following the Government’s decision to drop ‘trans’ elements of a… Continue reading Activists score own goal as Govt cancels LGBT conference
UN rejects campaign against Equality Commission over conversion therapy ban warning
A UN body has rejected requests to downgrade the status of the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), after it warned of “unintended consequences” of a conversion therapy ban. The EHRC’s response to the Westminster Government’s conversion therapy consultation was clear that numerous problems exist with the proposals, warning against interference with various human… Continue reading UN rejects campaign against Equality Commission over conversion therapy ban warning
Govt funded conversion therapy research ‘deeply flawed’
A new taxpayer-funded report into ‘conversion therapy’ overseas has been released by campaign group the Ozanne Foundation. Like previous studies by the same organisation, this one is deeply flawed, even counting ‘praying alone’ among supposedly harmful practices. Titled “2022 Hungarian ‘Conversion Therapy’ Research”, it was produced under the auspices of the recently formed and Government… Continue reading Govt funded conversion therapy research ‘deeply flawed’
Govt U-turns twice over conversion therapy ban
Last night, ITV news ran an exclusive report on Government plans to drop proposals for banning conversion therapy. Only hours later the Prime Minister was said to have changed his mind, after a backlash by activists and some MPs. The ITV claims were based on a leaked document, in which the basis for banning conversion… Continue reading Govt U-turns twice over conversion therapy ban
Northern Ireland: activists upset at conversion therapy ban being given time for scrutiny
Activists in Northern Ireland are ramping up their demands for new legislation to ban so-called conversion therapy. They’re frustrated that a Bill has not been fast-tracked in time for May’s election. Work is underway though, under the oversight of Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA (Sinn Féin). If such a Bill is brought forward, it will… Continue reading Northern Ireland: activists upset at conversion therapy ban being given time for scrutiny