Queen announces plan to ban conversion therapy as she opens UK parliament

By Reuters, MiNDFOOD

Britain's Queen Elizabeth prepares for her speech in the House of Lord's Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament in London, Britain May 11, 2021. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS
Britain's Queen Elizabeth prepares for her speech in the House of Lord's Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament in London, Britain May 11, 2021. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS

The Queen has announced that Britain will move to ban conversion therapy in her annual address to the House of Lords.

Her Majesty officially reopened UK parliament with a speech outlining the government’s priorities for the year ahead, and said that “measures will be brought forward to address racial and ethnic disparities and ban conversion therapy”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government said more support will be provided to those in the LGBT community who have undergone the treatment, and it will move to prevent these “abhorrent practices which can cause mental and physical harm”, starting with a consultation on how best to protect people and how to eliminate coercive practices.

Johnson’s party has come under increasing pressure on the issue after former leader Theresa May vowed in 2018 to eradicate a procedure that aims to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

However some faith leaders had argued that a wide ban could implicate those who offer pastoral support including prayer.

Setting out the new parliamentary agenda in a briefing document alongside the Queen’s Speech, the government said: “We will ensure medical professionals, religious leaders, teachers and parents can continue to be able to have open and honest conversations with people.”

A 2017 National LGBT survey found that 5% of those who responded reported being ordered, and 2% reported having undergone, conversion therapy. In more than half of the cases the therapy was offered or conducted by faith organisations.

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