Jul 8, 2020 08:23 PM
https://www.itv.com/news/2020-07-08/reli...ible-delay
EXCERPTS: Religious leaders have written to the equalities minister calling for the government to deliver its promised ban on so-called gay 'conversion therapy'. ITV News understands the government had hoped to make an announcement on banning the harmful practice before Parliament breaks for the summer in a couple of weeks, but there are now growing concerns that the plans may be delayed further.
[...] The organiser of the letter, Jayne Ozanne, whose charity The Ozanne Foundation works to end discrimination based on sexuality or gender within faith communities, told ITV News: “The need for a clear ban on conversion therapy is urgent, as young lives are at risk. Our research has shown that those most likely to undergo ‘conversion therapy' are children and young adults, who go to their religious leaders for help as they believe their desires to be 'sinful'. The impact on their mental health is severe, with significant numbers going on to consider and sadly even attempt suicide. Whilst a ban will not in itself end this cruel practice, it is a critical step towards it as it will show that the UK does not tolerate anyone who practices conversion therapy in any form, whether consensual or not, and that those who do so will be prosecuted. This will cause religious leaders to think twice before performing it."
The letter comes two years after Theresa May told ITV News that the government would ban ‘conversion therapy’. Despite the practice being condemned by all the major psychiatric and psychological bodies in the UK as deeply damaging to LGBT+ people, it is not a criminal offence... (MORE - details)
Pastor's gay conversion claim
EXCERPTS: Religious leaders have written to the equalities minister calling for the government to deliver its promised ban on so-called gay 'conversion therapy'. ITV News understands the government had hoped to make an announcement on banning the harmful practice before Parliament breaks for the summer in a couple of weeks, but there are now growing concerns that the plans may be delayed further.
[...] The organiser of the letter, Jayne Ozanne, whose charity The Ozanne Foundation works to end discrimination based on sexuality or gender within faith communities, told ITV News: “The need for a clear ban on conversion therapy is urgent, as young lives are at risk. Our research has shown that those most likely to undergo ‘conversion therapy' are children and young adults, who go to their religious leaders for help as they believe their desires to be 'sinful'. The impact on their mental health is severe, with significant numbers going on to consider and sadly even attempt suicide. Whilst a ban will not in itself end this cruel practice, it is a critical step towards it as it will show that the UK does not tolerate anyone who practices conversion therapy in any form, whether consensual or not, and that those who do so will be prosecuted. This will cause religious leaders to think twice before performing it."
The letter comes two years after Theresa May told ITV News that the government would ban ‘conversion therapy’. Despite the practice being condemned by all the major psychiatric and psychological bodies in the UK as deeply damaging to LGBT+ people, it is not a criminal offence... (MORE - details)
Pastor's gay conversion claim