LGBT+ History Month: Commitments needed on ‘conversion therapy’ ban
Marking the start of LGBT+ History Month, the Scottish Greens have urged all parties to commit to delivering a watertight ban of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ ahead of the Scottish elections.
Conversion practices are any acts intended to change or suppress someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
The SNP committed to delivering a ban in their 2021 manifestos before U-turning and opting to work with Westminster. But this approach has delivered nothing of consequence, leaving victims and survivors without the protections they deserve.
Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said:
“There can be no place for so-called conversion therapy in a modern or welcoming Scotland. It is a form of torture and it is wrong.
“Nobody should be told that they are lesser or deviant or not good enough, or that they should suppress who they are.
“The decision to wait for Westminster to take action was cowardly and unnecessary, and has only allowed these brutal and inhumane practices to continue.
“Far too many people have suffered for far too long. We cannot allow it to continue. Scotland had the ability to end the suffering and misery, but our government chose not to.
“After all of the shameful backtracking and failure, it's not just an apology that's needed, it is a change in law.
“LGBT+ History Month is about remembering and celebrating the lives and achievements of the community, as well as promoting and building a more inclusive society where everyone can be themselves.
“This parliament has failed to do that. l urge all parties that care about human rights to reflect on that failure and make a watertight commitment to ending these brutal practices for good.”