Last week, it was suggested that there could be further delays to the long-awaited conversion ‘therapy’ ban, as new equalities minister Kemi Badenoch reportedly asked for existing plans to be reviewed.

 

Chasing the Stigma Trustee and LGBT+ activist, Nikki Croft-Girvan, said: “News of further delays to the long-awaited ban on conversion ‘therapy’ is another huge blow to the LGBT+ community. Four years ago, the UK Government called conversion practices ‘abhorrent’ and promised a full ban on all forms of conversion ‘therapy’ to protect all LGBT+ people from harm.

 

“Yet, four years of broken promises later and we are still no closer to seeing that pledge become a reality. As well as being inhumane and a violation of human rights, conversion practices of all forms are a mental health crisis for the LGBT+ community.

 

“Survivors of conversion ‘therapy’ suffer with depression, anxiety, isolation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and many who have been subjected to conversion practices experience life-long trauma. Too many LGBT+ people have been harmed or lost because of conversion practices. As the Government dithers and delays, many more LGBT+ people are being harmed.

 

“This is unacceptable. What is also unacceptable is attempts to water down the ban, to allow exceptions in religious settings and to exclude the Trans community from its protections. The Government’s own research has highlighted that 13 per cent of Trans people have been offered or undergone conversion therapy, so why is it even considering excluding one of the hardest-hit parts of the community?

 

“Being LGBT+ is not something to be ashamed of. It is not something to be cured. We are people with diverse identities that should be celebrated. Above all, we should be protected against violations of our human rights.

 

“Chasing the Stigma stands with the LGBT+ community and calls on the Government to urgently bring forward the bill to ban conversion ‘therapy’ and to ensure that ALL parts of the LGBT+ community are protected – no excuses and no exclusions.”

 

If you are affected by the delays or seeking support + help please download our HUB OF HOPE today where you can access all our LGBTQ+ support services for free.

 

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