PFG: Greens slam “unacceptable” watering down of conversion practice ban
Conversion practices are any acts intended to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Scotland is now the only place in the UK that has not introduced a draft bill to end them.
In 2024, the Scottish Government shelved its commitment to ban these practices, despite having completed a consultation, worked closely with survivors and built consensus with human rights organisations.
Yet they have again delayed any plans for Scotland to introduce its own protections, and instead has once again asked the public to wait for Westminster to come up with its own bill, with the document noting that they will:
“Continue our work to end conversion practices in Scotland in partnership with the Welsh and UK Governments, strengthening our collective efforts to end these harmful practices and protect LGBTQI+ people from the lasting harms they cause. Should the UK Government fail to deliver we will not hesitate to bring forward Scottish legislation.”
Scottish Greens spokesperson for Equalities, Kate Nevens MSP said:
“Conversion practices have no place in modern Scotland. A comprehensive, watertight ban has been promised again and again, and rather than following through on the promises the Scottish Government made, today’s Programme for Government has delayed it further.
“Given the UK Government's poor track record on advancing a ban on conversion practices, it is hugely concerning that we are left waiting for action from Westminster. We have no need to be outsourcing such an important piece of work, or to be delaying this even further.
“The current draft Westminster bill not only fails to include Scotland, it also fails to adequately address all forms of conversion practices and protect everyone from harm
“LGBTQ+ people have already had to wait for far too long. Scotland can’t wait even longer, only to then be burdened with poor-quality legislation from a UK government that doesn’t protect enough people.
“We should be listening to the concerns already being raised about the Westminster proposals, and learn from them to make sure Scotland delivers the strongest possible protections through the Scottish Parliament, not kicking the can down the road to an incompetent Westminster government who are already failing on this.
“The Scottish Government must offer a clear roadmap for Scotland that protects everyone affected, leaving no loopholes for abuse and ensuring that no-one is left behind."
Kate added:
“A lot of the groundwork has already been done to develop a Scotland-specific bill. We have an opportunity to build on that work and deliver ambitious, effective and watertight legislation.
“Yet the Scottish Government is far behind. Far too many people have endured the fear, shame and trauma of these dehumanising practices. Their experiences must not be ignored, and future generations must never have to go through the same thing.
“We need Scotland-specific legislation to come to Parliament for scrutiny as soon as possible, and it is frankly unacceptable that it has not been addressed in today's programme for the government.
“When the Government finally gets the courage to act on their own commitment, they will have our full support.”