Sunak faces ‘big backlash’ over trans conversion therapy ban

RISHI SUNAK faces a “big backlash” if he presses ahead with a ban on trans conversion therapy that campaigners and Tory MPS say could criminalise parents, teachers and doctors.

The Government has already committed to ban therapists from pressurising gay people to be straight – a move that is uncontroversial.

But at the weekend Whitehall sources indicated that the Prime Minister wants to extend the law to ban the use of conversion therapy to persuade children who want to change their gender that they should stay as they are.

Boris Johnson rejected extending the law to cover gender identity in this way, and last night critics said that if Mr Sunak presses ahead it could be used to criminalise those who question children who want to change gender.

Tim Loughton, a former children’s minister, said that he was concerned doctors, teachers and parents could fall foul of any new law unless it were carefully worded.

“It certainly needs to include some dispensation when discussing transition treatment with minors or there will be a big backlash,” he said.

Maya Forstater, the co-founder of Sex Matters, said that banning conversion therapy could see teachers and parents in the dock if they question a child’s desire to change gender.

The group says that it means teachers could find themselves in court if they tell children they cannot use oppositesex lavatories or prevent a boy from competing in girls’ sports. It also says that parents could be affected by the law for refusing to use the correct pronoun or for taking children abroad to avoid people pressuring them into transitioning.

Ms Forstater said: “Proponents of the plan to outlaw conversion therapy in the UK have never been able to come up with evidence that there is a contemporary practice that can and should be banned.

“Already therapists who help people work through gender issues and not become fixed on the idea that they need to alter their body to be their true self are being accused of practising ‘conversion’.

“Any proposed legislation should be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny to make sure that it does not risk criminalising thoughtful therapists, and parents and teachers who don’t believe children can be ‘born in the wrong body’, or people practising their religion.”

Damian Green, the former deputy prime minister to Theresa May, urged Mr Sunak to be careful.

“The key is the definition of what should be outlawed,” he said. “Clearly any coercive or bullying interventions are unacceptable, but the definition should not be so wide that it excludes proper conversations with clinicians.

“This is an especially sensitive area when it involves children.”

A government source said that no decision had yet been made on whether trans conversion therapy will be included in a future ban.

Ministers were keen to ensure that the wording is clear so there are no unintended consequences, they added.

‘[Legislation] should not risk criminalising thoughtful therapists, and parents and teachers’