A ban on conversion therapy is included in King Charles III’s first royal speech. not be included. (Getty)
The vile practice of so-called “conversion therapy” is looking increasingly unlikely to be banned before the next general election, with no proposals included in the upcoming King’s Speech.
Theresa May’s government promised a law banning conversion practices five years ago, but since then and three prime ministers later the Conservatives have dropped a ban, reintroduced it, reversed course and delayed it.
There has been speculation in recent weeks about whether a bill will be included in the King’s Speech on Tuesday (November 7), with Rishi Sunak’s government reportedly promising to include it in the speech before it was raised by some MPs encountered “strong” resistance.
A press release about Charles II’s upcoming speech – the first royal speech in 70 years after the death of Elizabeth II – made no mention of conversion therapy or a proposed ban.
A ban on conversion therapy was first promised by Theresa May half a decade ago. (Unsplash)
It said that 39 bills were presented in the previous parliamentary session and seven of them will be taken up to complete their passage, including the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill and the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill.
“Ahead of the Autumn Statement later this month, the measures in the King’s Speech will build on the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy, protecting our energy independence, ensuring the UK reaps the full benefits of Brexit and is the most competitive and most supportive countries “We create an environment in which companies can benefit from new technologies,” it says.
“Together they will help our country be more prosperous, innovative, secure and ready to embrace the bright future that the British people deserve.”
The measures outlined in the speech also include “deploying a record number of police officers,” training “more doctors, more nurses, more dentists and more family doctors than ever before,” and “promoting and protecting our national interests “.
The long-promised ban on conversion therapy will not be included in the King’s Speech.
I understand that the government believes that the form of a ban is not yet ready.
It’s been five years since the Conservatives first promised to ban it.
It is very unlikely that it will be banned before the next election.
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) November 4, 2023
On Saturday (November 4), Paul Brand, British editor of ITV News, said after speaking to Whitehall sources said it was “very unlikely” A ban on conversion therapy will be introduced before the next general election, which is due to take place no later than January 28, 2025.
“The long-promised ban on conversion therapy will not be included in the King’s Speech,” he wrote. “I understand that the government thinks that the form of a ban is not yet ready.
“It’s been five years since the Conservatives first promised to ban it. It is now very unlikely to be banned before the next election.”
Brand’s view was echoed in reporting by MailOnline political editor Jason Groves, who quoted sources as saying: “Realistically there is no chance of it becoming law this side of an election.”
“Ministers still have no real answers about what exactly needs to be made illegal, what is not yet illegal, and how to do that without compromising the rights of parents, teachers and others to talk to children about their situation “To trample underfoot,” another source told him.
Reacting to the news, Tory MP Alicia Kearns – who has consistently called for a ban on conversion therapy – said wrote in a thread on X: “To MPs who believe in conversion therapy and don’t accept that it is inherently abusive.” Say it. Admit that you believe LGBT people can be “converted.”
“The least you can do is be honest with those who trap you in a cycle of enforced shame and self-hatred while reinforcing bigotry.”
She continued: “There are MPs who rightly care about the right legislation, both those of us who support a ban and those of us who don’t.
“But too many construct narratives to cover up the reality, believing conversion therapy is a legitimate practice. Speak your truth.”
The continued lack of a ban will be a major disappointment for activists, advocacy groups and broader members of the LGBTQ+ community.
How did this story make you feel?
🔥 Fire and flame
❤️ Love
😊 Happy
😐 Meh
😡 Annoyed
😢 Sad
Reply is being sent…
Thank you for your feedback!
Source : www.thepinknews.com