I have been contacted by constituents about Conversion Therapy.
As the Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes South, I have included below my response:
I am adamant - no one in this country should be harmed or harassed for who they are. Like many, I was disappointed legislation to ban so-called 'conversion therapy' was not announced in the King's Speech.
However, I acknowledge work has already been done by the Government, particularly with faith groups, to enable ideas and solutions to be brought forward. I understand Ministers are still reviewing this and continue to be committed to tackling conversion practices and are very aware that the public want a decision. I understand the Government is taking great care to protect people who might be vulnerable to these kinds of practices.
Also, my ministerial colleagues are aware that since the Government first promised legislation on conversion practices, the issue has developed and the threat to many young gay people is not conversion relating to their sexuality, but conversion relating to gender identity. The Government has committed to publishing a draft bill which addressed this issue.
That is why, I welcome the presentation of the Conversion Practices (Prohibition) Private Members' Bill by Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP, which is due to have its Second Reading on 1 March. This Bill intends to prohibit practices to change a person’s sexual orientation or to change a person to or from being transgender; and for connected purposes. I am pleased to have given Lloyd my support in the presentation of this Bill.
Thank you to those constituents who took the time to contact me about this issue.
