Statement on draft bill to ban conversion therapy

The UK government has published a draft bill to ban conversion therapy – an incredibly damaging practice that especially impacts LGBT+ young people who are so vulnerable to this abuse.

Conversion therapy refers to the belief that LGBT+ identities need correction, and seeks to change or “cure” sexual orientation and gender identity through medical, psychiatric, psychological, religious and cultural intervention.

At Just Like Us, we work with LGBT+ young people who have been subjected to this awful practice that leaves a long-lasting impact on their mental health.

Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, said: “We welcome the publication of a draft bill on banning conversion practices that aim to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

“It is a historic moment after eight years of delays that have left LGBT+ young people vulnerable to this abhorrent form of abuse.

“We urge ministers to act quickly and decisively on this draft bill, so that a ban on these abusive practices can become law as soon as possible.

“At Just Like Us, we work hard to eradicate the societal shame and lifelong trauma that LGBT+ young people so often face, including from conversion therapy, and they need the law of this country to protect them from this abuse.”