Context
The national LGBT survey found that 51% of conversion therapy happens in religious settings, with victims often undertaking these practices voluntarily. Government-commissioned research has highlighted the risks of allowing consent as a defence for such practices.
Question
The national LGBT survey found that 51% of conversion therapy happens in religious settings and Government-commissioned research found that adult victims often undertake religious conversion practices voluntarily, so the Government's proposal to allow informed consent for conversion therapy will permit that abuse to continue and risks introducing consent defences to other forms of abuse, such as domestic violence. Can the Secretary of State confirm whether a conversion therapy ban will cover non-physical conversion practices in religious settings, including prayer? Will she remove the dangerous consent loophole?
Answer from Elizabeth Truss
What is important is that we ensure that people are not coerced into conversion therapy, but it is also important to protect freedom of speech, the ability of adults to consent and the freedom to express the teachings of—[Interruption.] I hear Opposition Members asking whether freedom of speech is a good thing. Yes, it is.
Not addressed: The Secretary did not confirm or deny whether non-physical conversion practices would be banned or if the consent loophole would be removed.
How: Discussed Freedom Of Speech Instead
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