Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Banning Conversion Practices

Wednesday 18 December 2024 · 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kate Osborne inquired about the inclusivity of legislation to ban conversion practices, to which the Minister affirmed a commitment to a full trans-inclusive ban.
  • Dan Aldridge questioned the support provided by the Government to charities tackling prejudice, with the Minister highlighting funding to Galop, an LGBT+ anti-violence charity.
  • Rebecca Paul asked if mature adults would be restricted from participating in faith-based discussions on gender issues, to which the Minister responded that the legislation is carefully considering how to describe non-criminal behavior.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is concerned about the harmful impact of conversion practices on individuals, particularly trans people. She mentions a meeting in Parliament where panelists discussed their experiences with so-called conversion therapy.

Question

I am leading on a report for the Council of Europe to ban those abhorrent practices across Europe and I am pleased to hear from the Minister that we will soon be setting out legislation. Will the legislation be fully inclusive, without any exceptions, so that we can refer to it as best practice for all countries to use?

Answer from Nia Griffith

We are committed to bringing forward a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, protecting LGBT+ people from abuse. We will engage further with parliamentarians and stakeholders in the new year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment to being fully inclusive without exceptions was provided

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Q2 Dan Aldridge Lab Weston-super-Mare
Women & Equalities Religion & Faith
Context

The MP highlights the important work of civil society in combating intolerance and mentions specific examples from his constituency. He asks about Government support for this effort.

Question

Charities in Weston-super-Mare and across this country do amazing work to bring communities together to promote tolerance and tackle prejudice. Will the Minister outline what support the Government are providing to help charities deliver that vital work?

Answer from Nia Griffith

Civil society plays a unique role in challenging prejudice and enabling more people to access opportunities. An example is Galop, an LGBT+ anti-violence charity funded by the Government that provides confidential services on conversion practices.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide comprehensive list of government support measures for charities tackling prejudice

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Q3 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Children & Families
Context

The MP brings up the previous Government's commitment to a parent-first approach regarding guidance. She asks for clarity on parental roles, particularly if their child is questioning their gender.

Question

As part of the Government's review of the statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance, will the Minister make it clear that parents should be involved in decisions that affect their children, including if their children are gender-questioning?

Answer from Nia Griffith

We are looking at consultation responses and will respond fully as is appropriate.

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear commitment on parental involvement or clarify the role of parents in decisions regarding gender-questioning children

How: Looking At The Responses

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Q4 Rebecca Paul Con Reigate
Women & Equalities Religion & Faith
Context

The MP asks about ensuring that mature adults can participate in discussions of gender issues within faith settings without restrictions.

Question

In rolling out any legislation, will the Minister ensure that mature adults who, of their own volition, want to take part in discussions of gender issues in faith-based settings will not be restricted or inhibited from so doing?

Answer from Nia Griffith

We are looking carefully at how to describe the sort of behaviour that would not be criminalised by the ban.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear commitment on allowing mature adults to participate in faith-based discussions

How: Looking Carefully

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Q5 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is concerned about the experiences of trans people who have suffered from so-called conversion therapy. She asks for assurance that upcoming legislation will be fully inclusive.

Question

Last week, I held a meeting in Parliament with a panel of trans people talking about their experiences of so-called conversion therapy, and their evidence was harrowing. I thank the MPs and the Minister who attended that meeting to listen to them. I am leading on a report for the Council of Europe to ban those abhorrent practices across Europe, and I am pleased to hear from the Minister that we will soon be setting out the legislation. Will the legislation be fully inclusive, without any exceptions, so that we can refer to it as best practice for all countries to use?

Answer from Nia Griffith

We are committed to bringing forward a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, protecting LGBT+ people from abuse. We will engage further with parliamentarians and stakeholders in the new year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear commitment that there would be no exceptions in the legislation

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