Lib Dem Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy Tops Lords Ballot

[CW: Reference to suicide, self-harm and abuse]

A bill to ban conversion therapy has topped the ballot for Private Member’s Bills in the House of Lords, meaning it has the potential to become law. 

The ‘Conversion Therapy Prohibition (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) Bill’, introduced by Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Burt of Solihull, would outlaw the practice of attempting to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy has been widely condemned as a form of torture and abuse, and has been linked to a range of negative mental health outcomes, including suicide. 

The bill has the support of the Liberal Democrats, who have long called for a ban on conversion therapy. As Wera Hobhouse said when the party adopted the policy in September 2021 for an immediate ban in all forms: 

The bill is now likely to be debated in the House of Lords in the coming months. If passed by the Lords, it will then go to the House of Commons for further consideration. 

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats welcome and commend Baroness Burt’s continued leadership and unwavering support for banning conversion therapy, an abhorrent practice that has no place in society. 

Why is a ban on conversion therapy important?

Conversion therapy is a harmful practice that has no place in modern society. It is based on the false premise that being LGBT+ is “wrong” or “unnatural”, and that it can be “cured” or “changed”.

Conversion therapy can take many forms, but it often involves psychological manipulation, coercion, and even physical violence. It can have a devastating impact on victims’ mental and physical health, and can lead to depression, anxiety, suicide, and self-harm.

While the NHS has taken steps to reduce conversion therapy, Government statistics suggest most conversion therapy takes place outside healthcare settings. 

Government statistics also claim that transgender people are more likely to be subject to conversion therapy than non-transgender LGB+ people.

A trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy would send a clear message that this kind of abuse will not be tolerated. It would also protect LGBT+ people from the harmful effects of this practice.

What can you do to help?

If you support a ban on conversion therapy, there are a number of things you can do to help:

• Sign our national petition to ban conversion therapy
• Contact your MP and ask them to publicly support Baroness Burt’s bill and urge their colleagues in the House of Lords to do the same.
• Write to your local newspaper or radio station about the issue.
• Share information on social media - find information and resources at banconversiontherapy.com.
• Donate to organisations that are working to ban conversion therapy.

By taking action, you can help make a difference in the fight to protect all LGBTQ+ people from the harmful effects of conversion therapy.