The ‘conversion therapy’ ban seems to have been quietly dropped by the Government, but at its conference last week the Labour party set out plans for a “no loopholes” trans-inclusive ban that would criminalise those who help gender-confused children accept their biological sex. The Independent has the details.
A “no loopholes”, trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy would be introduced under a Labour Government, according to the Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary.
People responsible for anti-LGBT+ hate crime would also receive the “tougher sentences they deserve”, Anneliese Dodds said.
Concerns have been expressed in Parliament in recent weeks over the whereabouts of the Government’s draft proposals to ban conversion therapy, which seeks to suppress a person’s sexual or gender identity.
The Government first announced its intention to ban so-called ‘gay cure’ conversion therapies in 2018 as part of its LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) action plan.
It added the Bill must not inadvertently criminalise parents or clinicians who need to be able to have “legitimate conversations” with children and young adults experiencing gender-related distress.
The proposals were initially intended to be “universal” and protect all LGBT people, although in 2022 then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended a decision not to include trans people.
In January 2023, the Government said it would set out how it would ban conversion therapy for “everyone” – including transgender people – in England and Wales.
Read more: Help For Gender Confused Children to be Criminalised Under Labour
