I am clear that no one in this country should be harmed or harassed for who they are. While legislation to ban so-called 'conversion therapy' was not announced in the recent King's Speech, the Government is committed to publishing a draft bill which addresses this issue.
Ministers have been clear that any legislation targeting harmful practices must not affect the wider ability of parents, teachers, councillors, religious leaders or healthcare practitioners to have open and challenging conversations with young people who are expressing or exploring their identity. My ministerial colleagues are aware that since the Government first promised legislation on conversion practices, the issue has developed and the threat to many young gay people is not conversion relating to their sexuality, but conversion relating to gender identity. Many physically violent acts done in the name of conversion practice are already illegal.
I shall continue to monitor this issue closely.
24/01/2024