Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Conversion Therapy

Wednesday 24 March 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial responses indicate ongoing work to ensure a ban on conversion therapy is enforceable.
  • Honorable members have called for a legislative timetable to be provided for the ban.
  • Concerns were raised about the harm caused to LGBT individuals during the three-year delay in action.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Women & Equalities
Context

Three years of delay in banning conversion therapy has led to the loss of three members from the LGBT panel. The practice is considered harmful.

Question

Dr Rupa Huq noted that despite the Government's previous commitments, it has taken three years for any progress to be made on banning conversion therapy. She asked what recent steps have been taken and inquired about a legislative timetable for when this ban will become law.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I agree with the hon. Lady that we need to get on with doing this. Since I got this job a year ago, I have been working to make sure that the ban we put in place is properly enforceable and has the right measures in place. We are looking at international experience to ensure proper enforcement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific legislative timeline or date for banning conversion therapy, only commitment to work on it.

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Q2 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Context

The practice of conversion therapy is considered abhorrent. The questioner wants to see quick action from the government.

Question

Mr John Lamont supported the condemnation of conversion therapy as an abhorrent practice that does not work and agreed with the Prime Minister's stance. He asked what steps can be taken to accelerate a ban on this practice.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

My hon. Friend is right; we are working to make sure that the measures put in place are enforceable and fully researched. I am confident we will be able to announce progress on this very soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete timeline or actions to accelerate the ban, only confidence of future announcement.

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Q3 Michael Fabricant Con
Women & Equalities
Context

Religious or other groups may believe in the efficacy of conversion therapy, leading to a need for education.

Question

Mr Michael Fabricant agreed with previous statements condemning conversion therapy as cruel and pointless. He asked what measures can be taken to educate religions or groups that think this practice has a purpose.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We agree with my hon. Friend that practices trying to convert someone are inappropriate and unacceptable in all circumstances, including religious ones. We will ban this practice very shortly and ensure protection for LGBT people.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific educational measures or timeline for addressing these beliefs within groups.

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Q4 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Women & Equalities
Context

Despite previous government commitments, there has been no legislative progress on banning conversion therapy.

Question

Dr Rupa Huq noted that the Government's inaction over three years led to harm for LGBT individuals. She asked the Minister to give a legislative timetable for when this ban will be enacted.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

Since I took over this role a year ago, I have been working to ensure the ban is properly enforceable. We are looking at international experience and will bring forward plans shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or date for legislation, only commitment to proper enforcement.

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Q5 Charlotte Nichols Lab Warrington North
Women & Equalities
Context

The practice of conversion therapy has continued for nearly three years despite government commitments, leading to ongoing harm.

Question

Ms Charlotte Nichols demanded an apology from the Government for allowing harmful practices to continue. She asked for a full legislative ban on these practices and protection for LGBT individuals.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I am clear that conversion therapy is abhorrent. Since taking this role, I have worked on ensuring the ban will be enforceable. We are also working on other issues such as reforming the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and improving transgender health care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not offer an apology or specific legislative timeline for banning conversion therapy, only commitment to enforceability of ban.

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