Conversion Therapy Ban 2022-03-30
2022-03-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government has pledged to ban conversion therapy, but there is no clear timeline for legislative action. A consultation period recently concluded.
What the Government's timetable is for publishing a Bill on banning conversion therapy. The Minister acknowledged a personal statement from Dr Wallis and expressed support for him, highlighting the need for people to be safe in their identity.
We remain wholly committed to bringing forward proposals to ban conversion therapy practices. We recently concluded a consultation period on the proposals being analysed, based on which we will be developing legislation to be brought forward later this spring.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for publishing the Bill
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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The Cabinet Office tendered a contract for the provision of conversion therapy victim support, raising concerns about a consent loophole in Government proposals.
Does he agree that including a consent loophole in the Government's proposals to ban conversion therapy will allow some of its worst practitioners off the hook, inevitably creating more victims who will need support?
No, we do not agree. We believe that in a free and open society, consenting adults should be able to take informed decisions for themselves provided there is appropriate advice and information.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment regarding consent loophole
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The consultation on banning conversion therapy has concluded, but there is no clear timeline from the Government.
As the Minister rightly said, it has now been two months since the consultation on banning conversion therapy closed and almost three years since the Government made the pledge to ban this insidious practice. Why is it taking so long?
We have taken time to analyse the results of a significant response from the consultation and are bringing forward legislation later this spring.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for delay
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government is committed to banning conversion therapy but there is no clear timetable for legislative action.
Can the Minister reassure me, and indeed the whole House, that legislation on conversion therapy will be introduced prior to the conference scheduled in the summer?
The Government remain committed to bringing forward the legislation. A Bill team has been stood up and we are progressing at pace, but it is a matter for business managers when the exact parliamentary slot will be.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment regarding timing of legislative introduction
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The proposed Bill aims to ban certain conversion therapy practices in the UK, but evidence of unacceptable practices is unclear.
What evidence has come to light of unacceptable conversion therapy practices in the UK that are not already illegal?
Both the national LGBT survey and the Coventry report demonstrated that violent and harmful talking conversion practices continue to take place, which is why we need to act.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The Scottish Government are establishing an expert advisory group to inform their approach to banning conversion practices, reflecting the urgency of the issue.
Can the Minister confirm that the UK Government's approach will be taken forward on a similarly inclusive and urgent basis?
We are taking it forward on an urgent basis. Since I took up the role with responsibility for LGBT+ issues, I have engaged with a wide variety of stakeholders, including those who have been victims of conversion therapy.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment regarding inclusivity and urgency
Response accuracy