Love is not a pathology, and it doesn’t need treating. Today’s proposals will protect LGBTQ+ people from bigotry and quackery packaged up by sinister charlatans to snare and profit off the vulnerable. I will examine the proposals in detail, but the proposed ban, protection orders and support for victims for which I’ve campaigned so long, are serious, meaningful and will save lives whist protecting freedom of religion.
I applaud the Government for these robust proposals and encourage everyone to respond to the consultation. I remain unconvinced that anyone can consent to such an abusive practice, and will look closely at the proposed ban to ensure that victims and survivors get the protections they need and deserve. I will also look at the common law definition of coercion to ensure it adequately supports victims of conversion therapy, and will also consider whether legislation should be extended to under 25s if the Government intends to allow adults to "consent" to this fraudulent and abusive practice.
