Transgender Conversion Therapy

Mr. Sobel shared a personal story about his friend's child coming out as transgender, emphasizing the importance of unconditional support for trans individuals and advocating for the ban on conversion therapy.

Expressed deep concern over the debate on transgender conversion therapy, emphasizing the need for compassion and inclusive protection. Highlighted that the ban is necessary to prevent harmful practices by quacks and charlatans who profit from bigotry. Stressed that regulated therapists support exploratory conversations without pre-determined outcomes. She pointed out that there is currently a waiting period for professional conversations about transitioning, which she believes discourages hasty decisions. The MP agreed with her Labour colleague, expressing support for a ban on conversion practices but noting that there is no division in the Chamber about this issue.

He emphasized the need to protect individuals from conversion therapy and highlighted consensus among religious organizations and human rights groups in favour of banning such practices. He cited UK Government figures indicating that 2% of LGBT+ people have undergone therapy and 5% have been offered it, with even higher percentages for the trans community.

Ms Dodds expressed concern over the Government's decision to exclude trans conversion therapy from their plans and highlighted the inconsistency in their approach. She cited numerous organisations, including the BMA and Royal College of Psychiatrists, which condemn conversion therapy as unethical and harmful. She emphasized that a ban must not impede legitimate psychological support for children with gender dysphoria and urged the Government to provide evidence supporting the exclusion of trans conversion therapy from the ban.

Asked to give way during the speech.

Questioned what specific offence would be included in the proposed legislation that isn't already covered by existing laws.

Cited evidence showing severe psychological impacts on transgender individuals subjected to conversion therapy, highlighting increased risks of suicide attempts and harmful outcomes.

He spoke about his faith-based approach to the issue and condemned religious settlements for conducting conversion therapy. He criticised the Government's decision to exclude trans people from a ban on conversion therapy, calling it a wedge issue that disrespects vulnerable individuals.

In a free, democratic and liberal society, the practice of 'conversion therapy' is unacceptable and not something that should be condoned.

Expressed concern about a ban potentially impacting legitimate therapy aimed at relieving emotional distress, questioning the distinction between forced and voluntary conversion therapy. Williams inquired whether therapeutic and counselling interventions should be non-directive, implying this excludes any predetermined purpose as discussed in the debate. He suggested that Wales might welcome the opportunity to legislate on banning transgender conversion therapy separately from England, highlighting a potential area for further discussion by the Minister.

Described practices as essentially exorcisms and witchcraft, suggesting that calling them therapies dignifies these abhorrent acts. Doyle-Price raised concerns about the use of the term 'therapy' in legislation, arguing it implies something benign and should not be used to describe harmful practices based on ideological opposition. She stressed the importance of preserving therapeutic pathways for informed consent regarding medical transition or surgical intervention to alleviate distress. I think a lot of people will be very reassured by the tone of the Minister's comments, because there is genuine fear that legitimate practices would be outlawed. However, one of the issues we have is that campaigners are looking at other laws elsewhere, which has perhaps led them to conclude that things will be included in the Bill that might not be. Could the Minister say what the timescale for a draft Bill will be?

Pointed out that a significant number of respondents to the Government's survey reported being offered or subjected to conversion therapy, indicating its existence for transgender individuals. He supported the view that conversations should not aim to force someone to change their gender identity, highlighting the intention behind discussions as key. He agreed with the historical context provided by his hon. Friend, asserting that LGB rights were won through collective efforts including those of T people.

Asked to give way during the speech. He supported his hon. Friend by recalling the difficulties faced during the era of section 28, arguing that excluding trans people from conversion therapy bans is wrong and short-sighted.

Sought clarification on what constitutes coercive and abhorrent practices in conversion therapy, questioning the voluntary nature of such treatments. Mr. Nicolson discussed his experience filming a conversion therapy session for a BBC documentary and highlighted the dangerous practices of untrained therapists like the pastor he met who had lost his own son to suicide due to such therapies. He cited statistics showing that trans people are twice as likely to experience conversion abuse compared to gay non-trans individuals, with 11% of trans people subjected to these practices by their families. He pointed out that a significant consequence of the Government's stance on banning conversion therapies is the cancellation of an international conference, 'Safe To Be Me', which underscores the UK's declining reputation in this matter.

Asked whether banning conversion therapy would also prohibit voluntary pursuit of such therapy by those who wish to do so, highlighting the issue of consent versus coercion.

The MP highlighted the importance of banning conversion therapy for transgender people, emphasizing that trans people are twice as likely to have been offered conversion therapy compared to cisgender individuals. She stressed the need for immediate action without delay or loopholes.

He expressed gladness that his hon. Friend and other Members have made the point that trans people should be protected from conversion therapy, which is about preventing someone from forcing another to change their gender identity or sexual orientation. The MP argued that the intention behind practices determines whether they are considered conversion therapy or legitimate exploratory processes.

She called for more thoughtful language regarding trans people and autism, urging Members to be mindful of how their words might impact those watching or listening to the debate. The MP thanked the petition signatories and organisations for their support, highlighting concerns over the gap in the Government's proposals regarding transgender conversion therapy. She stressed that nobody's identity should be a political football and called for clarity on language used in discussions. The speaker also pointed out statistics from the UK Government indicating trans people are twice as likely to experience such practices compared to non-trans individuals.

Complimented the hon. Gentleman for engaging with affected individuals directly, expressing concern that exclusion might further demonise transgender people. Moran expressed concern that failing to ban all forms of conversion therapy might push families underground seeking harmful practices through churches, citing a personal example involving a young teenager subjected to abhorrent practices.

Supported the ban on conversion therapy for LGBT people, advocating for intersectionality in legislation to protect trans and non-binary individuals. He highlighted the importance of visibility and role models for young LGBTQ+ people. Is it the Government's intention that the scope of the Bill will be so narrow that an amendment to include trans and non-binary conversion therapies and practices within a ban would be excluded, so that the will of the House could not be tested and MPs would not have the chance to vote for such an amendment?

Congratulated the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate, referencing a United Nations report calling for a global ban on conversion therapy due to its violation of human rights.

Mary Foy supported a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy, noting the harm caused by such practices and their lack of efficacy. She cited consensus among medical communities and highlighted the vulnerability of transgender individuals to coercion due to financial or social pressures.

The MP clarified that puberty blockers are not irreversible treatments but a way to pause puberty for various reasons, including premature puberty. Ms Nadia Whittome intervened briefly to suggest that equating being trans with anorexia is problematic and harmful. She expressed concern over the Government's proposal to ban conversion practices for LGBTQ individuals but not for trans people, describing it as a discriminatory and unacceptable differentiation. She mentioned that 5% of LGBTQ people had been offered or threatened with conversion therapy, and one in 50 had experienced it, highlighting the psychological harm associated with such practices.

Mr Hanvey discussed the importance of informed consent in medical practices, especially for young people. He emphasized that children and adolescents can handle difficult information well when guided appropriately, using his experience from cancer care research as an example. Mr Hanvey also highlighted the need to consider the long-term effects of puberty blockers and the pressure felt by healthcare staff to adopt a fully affirmative approach.

She criticised the Government for taking too long to address conversion therapy and expressed horror at excluding trans people from a ban. She highlighted the devastating effects of conversion therapy, including negative self-image and suicidal thoughts, and emphasised that protecting trans individuals is crucial.

Asked if existing laws are sufficient to cover conversion therapy practices, expressing concern about potential restrictions on freedom of speech. He expressed concern that people may be hesitant to say 'watch and wait' due to fears of being called transphobic or potentially prosecuted under future legislation.

Suggested that the debate misses the point about the inherent harm caused by conversion therapy, likening it to torture and raising concerns over its link to sexual violence against LGBT individuals.

Apologised for missing the start of the debate, emphasising the treatment of Kathleen Stock and Helen Joyce.

As a member of the LGBTQ community himself, he congratulated Sammantha Harris on starting the petition and emphasised that trans people matter and need protection against conversion therapy. He highlighted the importance of banning all forms of conversion therapy for the entire LGBTQ community.

Ms. Maskell agreed with her colleague's speech, highlighting the need for inclusivity in discussing issues of coercion and control, and underlined that there should be no rationale behind excluding any particular group from safeguarding measures.

Ms Ruth Jones acknowledged the debate's importance, emphasizing that conversion therapy is a disgraceful attempt to destroy individuals' identities. She supported banning conversion therapy for all people, highlighting concerns about discrepancies in government commitments regarding transgender conversion therapy.

Agreeing with Mary Foy, Stephen Doughty pointed out that trans and non-binary people face higher levels of sexual violence aimed at converting them from their gender identity.

Supporting a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy, Stephen Farry highlighted the successful passage of such a motion in Northern Ireland despite conservative societal views. He emphasised that same-sex sexual orientation and transgender identity are normal variations to be celebrated and not subject to harmful practices aimed at changing personal identity.

She emphasized the distinction between NHS therapies conducted by professional medical experts and conversion therapy, which is often pseudo-scientific and not controlled. Welcomes the Government's proposed conversion therapy Bill but criticises its exclusion of gender identity conversion practices, citing higher rates of such practices among trans individuals and significant negative impacts on mental health. Raises concerns about legal challenges under the European Convention on Human Rights and disputes claims that religious freedom or medical treatment would be affected by a ban. Can the Minister confirm that conversion practices are those that are aimed at a certain outcome? What he is describing—an open conversation to explore a person's gender identity—is of course not something that a ban should include, but all practices with a closed outcome should be banned, and that ban should include trans people.

She agreed with her hon. Friend that these practices are abusive and must be banned, criticising the Government's refusal to ban them as a cynical tactic targeting one of society's most marginalised groups.