UK Equality Watchdog Urges Government to Ban Harmful Conversion Therapy

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in Britain has called on the government to ban “harmful” conversion therapy practices. Conversion therapy is a controversial practice that attempts to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The EHRC argues that legislation to outlaw conversion therapy should be included in the King’s Speech next month.

Campaigners have been pushing for a ban on conversion therapy for the past five years. In 2018, the government promised to outlaw the practice in England and Wales. However, there have been numerous delays and U-turns since then. In January 2023, the government stated that it would “shortly” publish a draft bill.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, the chair of the EHRC, has written a letter to Women and Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, emphasizing the need for legislation to ban harmful conversion practices. The letter emphasizes the importance of careful and thorough scrutiny to ensure that any ban is effective in protecting individuals with protected characteristics from harm. Baroness Falkner hopes to see this legislation mentioned in the upcoming King’s Speech.

She acknowledges that this is a complex and sensitive area that could have wide-ranging impacts. Therefore, any legislation should be carefully considered, using clear terminology and definitions, and based on proportionate and evidence-based measures.

The EHRC previously recommended that any legislation initially focus on practices that aim to change a person’s sexual orientation rather than gender identity, due to concerns about a lack of evidence and potential barriers to accessing appropriate support.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May’s government initially pledged to ban conversion practices in 2018 after a survey revealed that 2% of the LGBT community had undergone the practice and another 5% had been offered it. However, in March 2022, Prime Minister Boris Johnson dropped plans for the legislation, citing complexities and sensitivities.

In January 2023, the government announced that it would ban conversion therapy for everyone, including transgender individuals. The Scottish government has promised to launch a consultation on banning the practice as well.

Some groups, such as the Evangelical Alliance, which represents 3,500 churches, argue that a ban on conversion therapy could infringe on religious freedoms. However, many religious leaders support a ban.

Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Anneliese Dodds recently stated that a “no loopholes” trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy would be introduced under a Labour government.

A government spokesman emphasized that no one in the country should be harmed or harassed for who they are and that attempts at conversion therapy are abhorrent. The issue is being carefully considered due to its complexity.