Conversion therapy bill defeated

An MP’s attempt to introduce a conversion practice ban has failed to pass a second reading in the House of Commons.

A private members’ bill introduced by Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle attempted to prohibit ‘conversion practices’ - defined in the bill as conduct which seeks to change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity. ‘This Bill’ he said, ‘stops parents sending their children to conversion practices.’

An expert legal opinion on the proposals for The Christian Institute, Jason Coppel KC said if it was passed, the Bill ‘would constitute a serious intrusion into the legitimate activities and practices of Christian churches and religious communities’ in breach of their rights under the ECHR the Human Rights Act 1998; and would interfere with the lawful and legitimate expression of gender critical views.
He said the proposals were so broad as to apply to acts where no injury or distress would be caused – and even to acts to which a person consents. 

Miriam Cates MP, who pointed out in the debate that just a single act could be brought as a criminal offence under the bill, said: ‘… it contains no threshold for torture, abuse or even harm, so it will capture practices that are not harmful and for which we should not be legislating.’

This reprieve is likely to be temporary: if Labour get into power in the upcoming general election, the introduction of a ‘trans-inclusive’ conversion therapy ban appears almost inevitable