Rishi Sunak Reported to Roll Back on Plans to Ban Conversion Therapy
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly planning to exclude a long-awaited ban on conversion therapy from his upcoming King's Speech. Despite the draft Bill being ready for months, awaiting approval from Sunak, it is yet to be tabled.
These delays have sparked concerns as the promised ban was proposed five years ago under Theresa May's leadership. This has also raised questions about whether there will be enough time to pass the legislation before the next election, as promised in the Tories' 2019 manifesto. These reports come just days after claims Sunak was ready to push ahead with the ban.
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Conversion therapy refers to harmful practices that aim to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, under the assumption that such identities can be "cured." Despite Theresa May's pledge to outlaw this practice five years ago, a delay in implementing a ban, including protection for trans people, has prompted criticism from various quarters, including MPs, LGBTQ+ activists, and charitable organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
According to reports by inews, MP Miriam Cates has allegedly played a significant role in persuading Sunak to backtrack on the ban on trans-inclusive conversion therapy. Cates, who is known for her opposition to trans rights and her collaboration with Labour MP Rosie Duffield on related issues, has been lobbying fellow Tory MPs to drop the ban on so-called conversion therapy practices.
A leaked text message shared by ITV's Paul Brand reveals Cates urging Conservative MPs to sign a letter opposing the Conversion Therapy Bill. In the message, Cates argues that passing the bill would anger the Conservative base, create divisions within the party, and effectively enforce a Stonewall charter as law.
EXCL: Latest reports that PM will drop conversion therapy ban follow intense lobbying by @miriam_cates who wrote to Tory MPs:
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) October 21, 2023
“This Bill will anger our base, split the party and effectively put a Stonewall charter into law. We have a matter of days to persuade No 10 to pull it.”
Earlier reports suggested that Sunak intended to include a draft bill banning conversion therapy in the King's Speech scheduled for November 5. In response, Cates expressed her concern about this proposal. However, it is now reported that Sunak plans to delay the ban, sparking further speculation that it will be postponed until after the next general election. This tactic involves publishing a draft bill for pre-legislative scrutiny, which means it would not become law until after the election.
In her text message, Cates warns of "terrible unintended consequences," suggesting that the bill could potentially criminalize parents and doctors who counsel children against changing their gender. The leaked message from Cates aligns with reports that the ban will be delayed. A government source stated that there is no chance of conversion therapy becoming law before the election, while another source claimed that no progress is being made on the matter.
Organizations like LGBT Humanists argue that conversion therapy can cause significant and long-lasting psychological distress and emphasize that banning the practice would not impede children's access to appropriate counseling services.
Read related articles here:
Sunak To Push Ahead With Delayed Ban On Gay And Trans Conversion Practices
Rishi Sunak Expected To Shelve Plans For ‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban
UK Conversion Therapy Ban Will Include Trans People
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