Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what responsibilities she has for (a) potential reform of gender recognition laws and (b) banning of conversion practices.

Alongside Bridget Phillipson as Secretary of State with responsibility for Women and Equalities, my department has responsibility for the Government’s equality policy, including on LGBT+ issues.

Conversion practices are acts that aim to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Such practices are abuse. They have no place in society and must be stopped. Through the development of the Conversion Practices Bill, this Government will deliver our manifesto commitment to bring forward a full, trans-inclusive ban on these harmful practices.

We will also modernise, simplify, and reform the intrusive and outdated gender recognition law to a new process. We will remove indignities for trans people who deserve recognition and acceptance; whilst retaining the need for a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a specialist doctor, enabling access to the healthcare pathway.