Conversion therapy, a controversial practice aiming to alter an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, employs various methods ranging from talking therapies and prayer to more extreme measures like exorcism, physical violence, and food deprivation.
The letter from Stonewall to the Prime Minister highlights the detrimental impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ individuals. It states that the delay in legislation signals a tacit approval of these abusive practices and fails to protect survivors and victims in the UK. The letter also points to a worrying increase in hate crimes, citing Home Office data that shows a rise in police-recorded transgender hate crimes in England and Wales by 11% to 4,732 offenses in the year ending March 2023.
The correspondence urges the government to fulfill its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community by legislating a comprehensive ban on these harmful practices. The promise to ban conversion therapy dates back to former Prime Minister Theresa May's tenure in July 2018. Boris Johnson, during his time as Prime Minister, had dropped plans for the legislation and excluded transgender people from a prospective ban, citing complexities.
The current government has stated its intention to ban conversion therapy for everyone, including transgender individuals. The opposition Labour party has also expressed its commitment to introducing a trans-inclusive ban without loopholes.
Stuart Andrew, the equalities minister, recently apologized for the delay in banning conversion therapy but did not confirm its inclusion in the upcoming King's Speech on November 7. The government, responding to the letter, acknowledged the abhorrent nature of conversion therapy and emphasized its ongoing deliberations over this complex issue.
Last month, the Equality and Human Rights Commission urged Kemi Badenoch, the minister for women and equalities, to ensure the inclusion of a ban in the King's Speech. The government spokesperson reiterated the need for careful consideration of this sensitive matter, emphasizing that no one should suffer harm or harassment for their identity.