Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Conversion Practices: Legislative Ban

Wednesday 12 July 2023 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to publishing a draft Bill to ban conversion practices for pre-legislative scrutiny.
  • Minister stated that delays are due to the complexity of the matter, aiming to present a strong Bill.
  • Minister assured the LGBT community that the Bill will outlaw conversion therapy practices deemed abhorrent.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Farry
Women & Equalities
Context

The government has committed to legislate against conversion therapy for over five years, with recent promises of spring legislation.

Question

When will the Government bring forward legislative proposals to ban conversion practices?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or additional details beyond commitment to publish bill.

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Q2 Stephen Farry
Women & Equalities
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.

Question

Can the Minister elaborate on some of the reasons for the delay in bringing forward legislation against conversion therapy?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific reasons for delay or clear timeline.

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Q3 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
Women & Equalities
Context

Former Prime Minister stated that conversion therapy is 'abhorrent'. The question seeks confirmation.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree with me and, indeed, with the former Prime Minister that conversion therapy is 'abhorrent'?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

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.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Women & Equalities
Context

There has been a delay in legislating against conversion practices and uncertainty about the bill's content.

Question

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?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a commitment to end confusion, only assurance against fear.

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Q5 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Women & Equalities
Context

There are concerns that the proposed ban on conversion practices might limit meaningful conversations between parents and children questioning their sexuality.

Question

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?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide reassurance, only stated importance of conversations and need for careful consideration.

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Q6 Anneliese Dodds Labour (Co-op) Oxford East
Context

The Government promised to ban conversion therapy over five years ago and there has been significant delay.

Question

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?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave a moment ago.

Not addressed: Did not provide any new information or timeline, only referred to previous statement.

How: Referencing Previous Answer

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Q7 Anneliese Dodds Labour (Co-op) Oxford East
Women & Equalities
Context

The Government's consultation on banning conversion practices suggested a 'consent loophole' that would allow some practitioners to continue operating.

Question

Does the Minister think LGBT people can consent to abuse, and if not, will he remove the loophole so every LGBT person is protected?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

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.

Not addressed: Did not provide confirmation on removing loophole, only referenced need for review by Joint Committee.

How: Referencing Previous Answer

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