Conversion therapy ban delayed over ‘criminalisation fears’
PLANS to ban conversion therapy have been delayed amid complaints it could criminalise parents, teachers and religious leaders.
Amid disquiet about the impact of a ban, the Government has announced that it was extending its consultation on the ban so that “the widest possible views are taken into account”.
The Daily Telegraph understands that officials were “shocked” by the responses to the consultation and had not anticipated how “sensitive and complex” the issues were, particularly around including gender identity.
There has also been a growing backlash among MPS and peers, who feared that it could lead to prosecution for anyone supporting children who believe they are transgender.
It has been warned that a ban could force professionals and clinicians to take an “affirmative” approach to those questioning their gender identity and lead to a rise in the number undergoing irreversible medical treatment.
The announcement comes after Nikki da Costa, a former head of legislative affairs at No10, warned in this newspaper that the Government “must slow down” as the changes could have “damaging consequences for children”.
Announcing the eight-week extension to the consultation, Liz Truss, Min- ister for Women and Equalities, said that they remain “absolutely determined to stamp out conversion therapy, and want to hear all views on the best ways to do that”.
Ms Truss added: “We are absolutely committed to a ban which will make sure LGBT people can live their lives free from the threat of harm or abuse, while protecting free speech as well as protecting under-18s from being channelled into a irreversible decisions about their future”
Fair Play for Women, the campaign group, had also threatened legal action, with Dr Nicola Williams, its director, accusing the Government of “rushing” the bill through ahead of an LGBT conference it is hosting next year.
Ms Truss also received a letter from more than 500 church leaders this week warning that they were prepared to be criminalised if the legislation banned them from exercising their religious freedoms.
The accepted definition of conversion therapy traditionally focused exclusively on sexual orientation, but the Government has insisted that gender identity has been a part of the proposals since Theresa May announced plans for a ban in 2018.
The extension more than doubles the original six-week consultation period.
The Government insists that casual conversations, expressing religious teachings or clinicians working in line with their professional obligations would not be affected by ny legislation.
James Esses, co-founder of Thoughtful Therapists, a group which has raised concerns on the impact on their treatment, welcomed the extension.
“This is an extremely sensitive and complex piece of legislation, with significant implications for mental health treatment for vulnerable children. It deserves due care and attention.”
“If the Government unintentionally ban any therapy which falls short of affirmation of transitioning, it may lead to more suffering, especially when studies show that the vast majority of children with gender dysphoria will eventually settle into their biological sex and bodies.”
Mike Freer, the minister for equalities, said that the ban will focus “on those who actively seek to change someone’s sexuality or transgender status, with protection for young people a particular priority”.