Conversion ban decision wait

The consultation on the proposed conversion therapy ban has now closed, and up to the last minute pro-ban campaigners were calling on government to close a ‘loophole’ which would allow individuals who received ‘informed consent’ to a conversion practice to ‘evade justice’.

Stonewall wanted a ban on ‘all forms of conversion therapies in every setting without loopholes’.

There are concerns that new laws could ban prayer and pastoral conversations. This is also clearly a concern to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which said in its response to the consultation that the proposals risk ‘unintended consequences’ and must not cut across basic religious freedoms. It said only harmful practices should be targeted, adding: ‘Encouraging people to comply with religious doctrine that requires refraining from certain types of sexual activity should not fall within the definition of conversion therapy either.’

Separately, the EHRC has urged Nicola Sturgeon’s government to pause its proposed reforms to the Gender Recognition Act 2004. The EHRC said the consultation on the proposals, under which trans people would be permitted to change how their sex is recorded for legal purposes, has not adequately taken into account their impact on women’s rights.