Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, how the Government's proposals for a legislative ban on conversion therapy will safeguard the right to offer legitimate support, therapy or challenge to those who might be questioning their gender, and particularly for under-18s, in order to ensure that they have fully considered and explored their options.

All people need to be able to have open and explorative conversations that allow them to come to the right decision for themselves. The Government’s view is that an act of talking conversion therapy has the intent of changing a person to being something they are not. A supportive conversation is one that does not pressure that person into any particular outcome. Parents, clinicians and teachers will of course continue to be able to have conversations with young people or others about their sexual orientation or whether they are transgender or not.

Under our proposals, people who are transgender or are exploring their transgender status, including under-18s, will also remain able to access the support they need from qualified health professionals without change. Our proposals will complement the existing clinical regulatory framework and not override the independence of clinicians to offer support in line with professional obligations.

We are engaging with a wide range of relevant stakeholders on this issue and will work with the relevant authorities to ensure that our legislative interventions operate effectively.