Conversion Practices Legislative Ban 2023-07-12
2023-07-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The government has committed to legislate against conversion therapy for over five years, with recent promises of spring legislation.
When will the Government bring forward legislative proposals to ban conversion practices?
The Government remain committed to publishing a draft Bill on banning conversion practices for pre-legislative scrutiny by a Joint Committee of both Houses in this parliamentary Session.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline or additional details beyond commitment to publish bill.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been a five-year wait since the Government promised to legislate on banning conversion practices, and recent promises have not been fulfilled.
Can the Minister elaborate on some of the reasons for the delay in bringing forward legislation against conversion therapy?
I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are absolutely committed to introducing the Bill in its draft stage as soon as possible. It is a complex matter; however, we want to get it right and present it as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific reasons for delay or clear timeline.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Former Prime Minister stated that conversion therapy is 'abhorrent'. The question seeks confirmation.
Does my right hon. Friend agree with me and, indeed, with the former Prime Minister that conversion therapy is 'abhorrent'?
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for her question. I absolutely agree that it is abhorrent; moreover, it does not work—that is a serious point. Yes, I do believe that that is with regard to everyone.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been a delay in legislating against conversion practices and uncertainty about the bill's content.
Given that the Minister agrees that conversion therapy is abhorrent, does he agree that the confusion caused by delays and promises unfulfilled is unacceptable for the LGBT community? Will the Government commit to ending this soon?
I do not want anybody in the LGBT community to feel fear—I have had that experience myself and I would not wish it on anyone. That is why we are making sure that the Bill is a good Bill that delivers good law to ensure that we outlaw those abhorrent practices.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a commitment to end confusion, only assurance against fear.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that the proposed ban on conversion practices might limit meaningful conversations between parents and children questioning their sexuality.
Can the Minister reassure me that despite what some have said, the Bill is not about stopping parents from having meaningful conversations with their children who may be questioning their sexuality?
My hon. Friend raises an important point. That is why we need to consider the evidence carefully; those conversations that parents have with their children are really important.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide reassurance, only stated importance of conversations and need for careful consideration.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government promised to ban conversion therapy over five years ago and there has been significant delay.
Given the five-year wait since the Government first promised a ban on conversion practices, how many more days, weeks, months, or even years must LGBT people wait?
I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave a moment ago.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any new information or timeline, only referred to previous statement.
Referencing Previous Answer
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's consultation on banning conversion practices suggested a 'consent loophole' that would allow some practitioners to continue operating.
Does the Minister think LGBT people can consent to abuse, and if not, will he remove the loophole so every LGBT person is protected?
I respectfully say to the hon. Lady that she has not seen the Bill yet, so it is a bit early to make those comments. This is exactly why we are making sure that a Joint Committee of both Houses looks at the Bill; it is a very complex piece of legislation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide confirmation on removing loophole, only referenced need for review by Joint Committee.
Referencing Previous Answer
Response accuracy