Scot Govt wants to steamroll through conversion practices law

The Scottish Government has emphasised that it intends to pursue its controversial plans to outlaw so-called conversion practices.

Speaking to BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show, Health Secretary Neil Gray confirmed that although the Government will “reflect” on consultation responses, it is “committed to continuing with that legislation because it’s an important piece of legislation”.

The SNP wants to outlaw ‘practices’ that seek to change, suppress or inhibit someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Activists are campaigning for a ban to cover “casual conversations” and “gentle, non-coercive prayer”. They even say children should be able to change gender without their parents’ consent.

‘Ignorant ideology’

When Gray was asked if the Cass Report’s recommendations would be implemented in Scotland, he said he was “committed” to a Government response before the summer recess at the end of June.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP, the Scottish Conservative Party’s Health Spokesman, said the Health Secretary and new First Minister John Swinney “need to show some leadership and give clarity to vulnerable youngsters and their families over gender care.”

He added: “It’s time the SNP followed the science and expertise of the Cass report, rather than ignorant ideology.”

Gender self-ID

The Scottish Government also indicated its desire to resurrect its highly controversial gender self-ID Bill.

The proposals sought to allow 16-year-olds to change their legal sex by self-declaration without a medical diagnosis, and reduce the waiting time for adults from two years to just three months.

The legislation was approved by Holyrood, but was then blocked by Westminster when Scotland Secretary Alister Jack enacted Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998, effectively vetoing it.

The Scottish Government initially challenged the block but abandoned its efforts after the Court of Session ruled in Westminster’s favour, but a spokesperson has now reiterated that it wants the UK Government to “lift their section 35 order” and allow the legislation to become law.