Conversion therapy ban introduced in King's Speech

Wednesday’s King’s Speech, outlining the government’s legislative agenda for the coming session of Parliament, included a commitment to ban “abusive conversion practices”.

A Conversion Practices Bill was announced in the first King's speech of this Labour Government. It promised a ban on activities intending to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity. This Bill was a manifesto promise for Labour at the General Election in 2024.

Officials have said that the proposed Bill would be carefully balanced and precisely targeted, but it raises concerns about Christians being able to articulate Biblical views about sexuality and gender.

The legislation had previously been promised by former governments under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak, but has yet to be introduced.

The Government said it will “deliver the manifesto commitment to bring forward a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices” adding that the legislation would “ensure that the criminal law offers protection from these practices, while also preserving the freedom for people”.

The LGB Alliance, a group who promotes the rights of lesbians, bisexuals and gay men, as recognised by biological sex, said on social media that they were concerned about proposed Bill. “We oppose coercive and abusive practices,” they said. “But there is already a robust legal framework in place to deal with assault, coercion, harassment, abuse and safeguarding failures. The question Parliament must answer is why new legislation is needed when existing laws already protect people from abusive conduct.”

They noted concern that the Bill pursues an agenda where trans ideology is only allowed to be affirmed rather than challenged, saying that this “would leave same-sex attracted people, vulnerable young people and those struggling with trauma, identity or mental health issues with fewer options for support. Same-sex attracted people should not lose access to lawful counselling because therapeutic neutrality has become politically unacceptable.”