House of Commons · Westminster Hall
07 March 2024 · 7 other contributors · 15,441 words
Opened by Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington
Responding minister: Stuart Andrew
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Elliot Colburn raised concerns about lgbt history month in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks the government to urgently pass a ban on conversion therapy, arguing it is essential to stop harmful practices. He criticises delays and seeks progress before the next election, urging parties not to use these issues as wedge politics.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The MP is concerned about the progress made in advancing LGBT+ rights globally but also highlights backlashes in some countries. He mentions specific examples of decriminalisation and legal advancements, as well as anti-LGBT+ laws proposed or passed in several nations. The MP worries that hard-fought rights could be reversed and notes increasing politicisation of LGBT+ issues both internationally and domestically.
Was the hon. Gentleman as disappointed as I was by the unreasonable arguments against a modest and reasonable Bill during last Friday's debate? Recalled the importance of LGBT History Month and highlighted the progress made in legal rights for the community. Mentioned increases in hate crimes against LGBT individuals, particularly transgender people, with reported incidents up 162% based on sexual orientation and 1,033% for trans people in Merseyside. Criticised the Conservative Government's dropping of their LGBT+ action plan and advisory board, and the use of divisive rhetoric that problematises transgender people as a political wedge issue. Briefly intervened to correct herself mid-sentence, indicating a procedural or linguistic pause. Asked if the Minister could provide any hint regarding whether a specific Bill will appear before the end of the Parliament or if it will have to wait until after the general election.
Discussed the progress made in LGBT rights, highlighting achievements like same-sex marriages being recognised by the Church of England and pardons for historical convictions. He expressed disappointment at the lack of a ban on conversion therapy in the UK while mentioning advancements in other European countries. He also pointed out the global challenges faced by LGBT individuals in various nations and stressed the importance of addressing societal attitudes that hinder equality.
Welcomed the opportunity to speak about positive progress in LGBT+ rights and acknowledged the need for further changes such as a ban on conversion practices. Noted rising hate crimes against LGBT+ individuals, with statistics showing an 186% increase for trans people over five years. Praised the Time for Inclusive Education campaign's work in Scottish schools. Asked the Minister about his reflections on the situation for LGBT+ people in Rwanda and if he could share any thoughts regarding the Government's plans there.
Mr Byrne agrees with the lead MP's stance on conversion therapy and expresses disappointment that a compromised Bill was talked out of proceeding to Committee stage.
The Mayor of London named an overground line through Battersea Mildmay, after the hospital that played a pivotal role in healthcare for those suffering from HIV and AIDS. The theme of LGBT History Month was paying tribute to contributions in medicine and healthcare.
Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is disappointing that the UK did not feature on any of the lists mentioned, apart from the last one? Would it be good for the Government to come back with a conversion therapy Bill? Blake highlighted the shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals over her lifetime, noting that while progress had been made since the repeal of section 28 and the introduction of new rights for trans people, recent trends are concerning. She cited a rise in hate crimes against trans people and an overall increase in hate crime directed at the LGBTQ+ community, expressing worry about the current political climate reversing previous gains.
Mr Doughty highlighted the progress in social attitudes towards LGBT+ individuals, noting a significant increase from 17% to 67% of people believing same-sex relations are 'not wrong at all'. However, he also pointed out a concerning decline in support for transgender and non-binary identities, with only 64% describing themselves as not prejudiced against trans people, down from 82% since 2019. Mr Doughty expressed concern over hate crime statistics, particularly noting an 186% increase in the last five years and a 11% increase in crimes against trans people in just one year.
Government Response
Stuart AndrewIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington and the hon. Member for Wallasey for securing this debate on LGBT History Month. The Minister acknowledges international progress and concerns, highlighting the need to remember history while looking towards the future. He praises trailblazing healthcare professionals who were LGBT, such as Dr Sophia Jex-Blake and Sir Ewan Forbes, and pays tribute to current figures like Dr Michael Brady. Regarding the global picture, he assures hon. Members that the Government continue to raise issues where challenges for LGBT people exist, noting a £40 million programme by the FCDO aimed at transforming lives around the world. The Minister reiterates the commitment to tackling conversion practices and ending new HIV transmissions and AIDS-related deaths in England by 2030. He also mentions ongoing work on hate crime legislation and efforts to make sport more inclusive for LGBT individuals. The Government are committed to publishing a draft Bill targeting conversion practices, though no specific date is given.