UK: Amnesty brings 'conversion therapy' torture ban message to Downing Street

UK-wide bans on LGBT+ 'conversion therapy' should be urgently introduced, Amnesty International UK will tell the Government today, as the Prime Minister hosts a Pride reception at 10 Downing Street.

The Government has said it is committed to ban the practice but only after a public consultation, which some campaigners fear will lead to opt-outs for religious groups.

There is no published timetable for the consultation or any legislation.

“So-called conversion therapy can constitute torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment – it has no place in our society.  “We are urging Ministers to introduce a blanket ban on conversion therapy without delay, a ban we want to see replicated in all parts of the UK.   “'Praying the gay away’ is just as unacceptable as any other pseudoscientific approach which tells LGBTI+ people they are ‘sick’ and ‘broken’.   “It’s time to stamp out this hideous practice once and for all.”