Two years ago today, the pledge was made by the British government
London, UK – 3 July 2020
“On this day two years ago [3 July 2018], the UK government promised to outlaw gay conversion therapy but still no legislation has been brought forward. We’ve had rumours that it will happen but no details or timetable,” said LGBT+ and human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell.
“In 2018, the then prime minister, Theresa May, said the government would bring forward proposals to ‘end the practice of conversion therapy’ as a priority.
“No one should be told their sexual orientation or gender identity is something that is flawed and requires changing. The practice is based on an assumption that being lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans is a defect or illness that can be ‘cured’.
“These therapies are unethical, ineffective and harmful.
“Gay conversion treatments have been condemned by all major UK medical, psychological and counselling organisations. They attempt to shame a person into denying a core part of who they are, and this can have a seriously damaging impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
“The government has said this is a complex issue and they may be right but Germany, parts of the US and Australia have managed to ban it. While Boris Johnson and Liz Truss procrastinate, people continue to be damaged by this quack practice,” said Mr Tatchell.
Note: LGBT+ Conversion therapy refers to any form of physical or psychological treatment that aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or suppress a person’s gender identity.