A conversion therapy ban appears unlikely to be introduced before the next general election, despite widespread reports that it was back on the Government’s agenda.
The King’s Speech in November lacked any mention of a Conversion Therapy Bill. Its absence does not mean a ban cannot be introduced by the current government, but it is considered unlikely.
In late October, the Evangelical Alliance (EAUK) wrote to prime minister Rishi Sunak expressing its concerns about the potential consequences of a poorly considered law banning conversion therapy.
The EAUK says abusive and coercive practices should be banned, but existing laws need to address such abuse. Writing on the EAUK website, director of advocacy Danny Webster said: ‘It is the responsibility of the government to demonstrate if there are gaps that would require new legislation. To date, no gaps have been highlighted.’
