Recent days have seen numerous news reports discussing the Government’s approach to tackling conversion therapy.
COSRT’s Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive Officer issue the following statement in light of the evolving situation.
COSRT is opposed to conversion therapy. It welcomes the Government’s decision to continue with legislative efforts to combat conversion therapy. But the current situation is unacceptable.
It is hugely regrettable, for example, that the Government appears to be pushing for legislation after public outcry at an unexpected and inappropriately ‘leaked’ decision to abandon plans. This does not inspire confidence in the will or ability to invest efforts in public protection.
But most fundamentally, COSRT is hugely disappointed to see the Government apparently seeking to exclude transgender from the revised legislative approach.
There are complexities around this area of the ban. There is obviously a clear need to avoid restricting access to legitimate therapy for people seeking help with questions around gender identity or sexual orientation.
But that is not the point of opposing conversion therapy. It never will be and complexity cannot be an excuse to abandon vital efforts to protect all equally. Instead, complexity should be addressed through rigorous work to develop robust policies and laws. Efforts invested in engagement with experts and those affected by harmful practices.
COSRT calls on the Government to reconsider its latest position. And to push ahead for legislation which bans conversion therapy in totality, without prevarication or loopholes.