THE UK government is about to announce the prohibition of transgender conversion therapy, which is a controversial technique where practitioners attempt to modify a person’s desired gender or sexual orientation by introducing a new law.
According to reports, transgender conversion therapy will be outlawed with other practices.
After earlier measures did not contain a prohibition on gender conversion therapy, activists have long pressed the Conservative administration to ban the practice entirely.
Now, the introduction of a measure that would outlaw any attempts to alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is anticipated in the coming days.
It will also prohibit all types of conversion therapy in England and Wales that would cover treatments directed at transgender persons.
The government had previously stated that transgender conversion therapy would be exempt from the ban.
According to reports, Downing Street was astounded by the extent of cross-party support for a comprehensive ban, which include Conservatives.
Instead of Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, Number 10 is allegedly in charge of shaping the new law.
The actual text of the law won’t be made public until later this year, but it’s known that Rishi Sunak wants to see it passed before the next election.
The bill’s potential contents and whether it will outlaw conversation therapy that a person has chosen to engage in rather than been forced upon them have not been officially addressed by the government. Furthermore, it’s unclear how it will fit into the teachings of religion.
Jayne Ozanne, former equalities advisor to Number 10 and campaigner for a ban on conversion therapy, said: “It’s good to hear that finally, after nearly five years, we are going to get the legislative ban that we have been so long-promised.
“I’m relieved to learn that the government will include full protections for trans people, but remain concerned that large loopholes may be created regarding whether someone can supposedly ‘consent’ and on religious practices.
“The latter is by far the most common form in the UK and must be stopped if LGBTQ+ lives are to be protected from this horrific abuse.”
According to activists, the majority of people who submit to conversion therapy do so without understanding the possible risks, making any ban that excludes consenting adults meaningless.
A prohibition on trans conversion therapy is also expected to face resistance from some sectors both inside and outside of Parliament, with some saying that the measure may unintentionally criminalise crucial conversations about a person’s gender identity.
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