Conversion therapy ban legislation needed in King’s speech, says watchdog
There have been years of delays and U-turns since the Conservatives first vowed to ban conversion practices in July 2018.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Legislation to ban “harmful conversion practices” must be included in the King’s Speech next month, the equalities watchdog has said.
Campaigners have repeatedly called for conversion therapy – which seeks to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity – to be outlawed, saying it has “ruined” lives with its attempts “cure” LGBT+ people of being themselves.
But there have been years of delays and U-turns, with the Government saying in January this year that it would “shortly” publish a draft Bill.
Legislation to ban harmful conversion practices is needed, and...thorough and detailed scrutiny remains imperative to ensure that any ban is fully effective in protecting people
Now, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to women and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, insisting legislation to ban conversion therapy “is needed”.
Commission chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner wrote that the EHRC “position remains that legislation to ban harmful conversion practices is needed, and that thorough and detailed scrutiny remains imperative to ensure that any ban is fully effective in protecting people with the protected characteristics of sexual orientation and gender reassignment from harm, while avoiding any unintended consequences.
“As such, I hope to see this legislation in the forthcoming King’s Speech. We of course remain happy to engage and provide advice if required on the equality and human rights implications of any proposals.”
Baroness Falkner acknowledged it is a “complex and sensitive area with the potential to have wide-ranging impacts” and therefore said any legislation should be “carefully considered to ensure it uses clear terminology and definitions, and is proportionate and evidence-based”.
Theresa May’s government first vowed to ban conversion practices in July 2018.
On initially announcing a consultation into the conversion therapy ban, the “universal” proposals were intended to protect all LGBT+ people.
But in March 2022, then-prime minister Boris Johnson dramatically dropped plans for legislation, later defending a decision not to include trans people by saying there were “complexities and sensitivities” to be worked through.
In January of this year, the Government said it would ban conversion therapy for “everyone”, including transgender people.
The King’s Speech is due to take place on November 7.
Earlier this month, the shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds said a “no loopholes” trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy would be introduced under a Labour government.