Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to Canada’s House of Commons passing a bill criminalizing LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and the passage of a similar ban by the Australian state of Victoria, what steps his Department is taking to work with national and state legislators in those nations to ensure a ban on conversion therapy reflects international best practice.

Officials in the Equality Hub are in discussion with international policy counterparts, to fully understand the detail and impact of other jurisdictions’ measures and to inform the Government’s next steps. However, we must ensure a ban on conversion therapy works here and that is why we have committed to launching a consultation in September. We want to hear from a wide range of voices on how best to protect people from conversion therapy while ensuring the medical profession can continue to work in line with best practice, defending freedom of speech, and upholding religious freedom. This will be vital for ensuring the action we take is informed, effective and proportionate.