Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Conversion Therapies

Wednesday 26 May 2021 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State announced plans to ban conversion therapy and to consult on the issue in September 2021.
  • The consultation will address issues of gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • The Cass review is taking place separately from the consultation process.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from the government's pledge to ban conversion therapy, which is an issue affecting LGBTQ+ individuals both in the UK and internationally.

Question

What progress her Department has made on bringing forward legislative proposals to ban conversion therapies. I am pleased that the consultation will be starting soon. Does the Secretary of State intend for the Cass review to be part of the consultation, and will the consultation address issues of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We set out in the Queen's Speech our intention to ban conversion therapy, which is an abhorrent practice. We will consult in September and legislate as soon as possible. The consultation will address issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. The Cass review is taking place separately; that is a matter for the Department of Health.

Answered
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Q2 Dehenna Davison
Women & Equalities
Context

The question is prompted by the UK's intention to ban conversion therapy and seeks international collaboration to support LGBTQ+ safety globally.

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker; I hope you can hear me today. I was really delighted to see the ban on conversion therapy appear in the Queen's Speech, but, as we know, conversion therapy is an issue not just in the UK, but right around the globe. Does my right hon. Friend agree that these practices should not just be outlawed in the UK, but that we should work with our global partners to support LGBT safety worldwide?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That is why we are proud that we are instituting the UK's first ever international LGBT conference under the theme of “Safe To Be Me”, which is about protecting people from persecution worldwide. The conference will be led by Lord Herbert and will take place in June next year.

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Q3 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
NHS Women & Equalities
Context

The question concerns the scope of the consultation planned for the ban on conversion therapy, including whether it will cover issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Question

I am pleased that the consultation will be starting soon. Does the Secretary of State intend for the Cass review to be part of the consultation, and will the consultation address issues of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

The consultation will address the issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. The Cass review is taking place separately; that is a matter for the Department of Health.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Cass review inclusion in consultation

How: Separate Process

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