I take this issue very seriously and I am committed to tackling conversion therapy in the UK. Having heard from many constituents on this I know how much it means to people, and that is why I am pleased the Government is delivering on its promise and will legislate to ban conversion therapy to protect LGBT people from this harmful practice.
The Government is also carrying out separate work on the issue of transgender conversion therapy, this is to ensure that any legislative measures brought forward will not have any unintended consequences. I understand that this is a legally complex area, and as such the Government have a responsibility that any of these unintended consequences are not written into legislation, particularly in the case of under eighteens.
The Government launched a consultation on how Ministers are planning to ban practices of so called 'conversion therapy'. The consultation was extended until February 2022 to allow for ample opportunity for all those to contribute their views including faith groups, LGBT organisations, counselling bodies and charities.
I would like to reassure you that the results will be analysed and will inform the Government's next steps in preparing legislation shortly. I am positive about the steps that have been made so far in the UK to achieve LGBT equality and am confident that this good work will continue.
