Doctors, psychiatrists, politicians and other professionals have warned the Prime Minister that a ‘conversion practices’ law could create a “slippery slope towards criminalising parents”.
In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, the 140 signatories highlighted that under similar legislation in the Australian state of Victoria, parents may be committing ‘conversion therapy’ if they object to their child taking puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones.
The UK Government is set to bring forward a draft Bill this parliamentary session, which will require public consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny. Labour’s manifesto pledged to introduce “a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, while protecting the freedom for people to explore their sexual orientation and gender identity”.
‘Harmful’
The letter, which has been signed by those from a range of backgrounds including former Green Party Deputy Leader Dr Shahrar Ali and detransitioner Keira Bell, urged the Government to abandon its legislation in light of the “serious and harmful unintended consequences”.
The signatories warned that it risks criminalising psychological support which does not “unconditionally affirm children to transition”, such as pausing for reflection and exploring contributing factors.
They emphasised: “In truth, the real ‘conversion’ taking place is that of children who are being led to believe, in schools and elsewhere, that it is possible to be born in the wrong body. We believe that your focus should be squarely on tackling that.”
A UK Government spokesman defended its proposals, stating that “any ban must not cover legitimate psychological support, treatment, or non-directive counselling. It must also respect the important role that teachers, religious leaders, parents and carers can have in supporting those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Scotland
Last month, the Scottish Government announced that it would delay its controversial plans to outlaw ‘conversion practices’ in favour of “complementary approaches across the UK”.
The SNP recently held a consultation on its plans to outlaw ‘practices’ that seek to change, suppress or inhibit someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. But First Minister John Swinney did not include it in his Programme for Government in light of Westminster’s pledge to introduce a draft Bill this parliamentary session.
Instead, he announced that he would introduce the plans to Holyrood “should a UK-wide approach not be achievable”.
Scottish Labour MP echoes concerns over conversion therapy ban
Plans for a new law on ‘conversion therapy’ stall in Republic of Ireland
Stormont calls for ‘conversion practices’ law but admits religious freedom concerns