SNP must rethink conversion practices snub
The Scottish Government must rethink their decision to drop pledges to end conversion practices and protect LGBTQIA+ people in Scotland, says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman.
Despite consistent calls from the Greens and campaign groups, the SNP have opted to delay ending the cruelty towards LGBTQIA+ people, stating they will work with Westminster, or schedule plans for next year if that fails.
Maggie Chapman, who is the Scottish Greens spokesperson for equality, says that the Government must stop dragging its heels and end conversion practices in Scotland now.
Ms Chapman said:
“Scotland does not need to wait for Westminster to put an end to the cruelty and trauma that so-called “conversion therapies” cause. We have the power to end this now. The Government must stop dragging its heels and rethink this latest delay.
“Human rights cannot be put on the back-burner. LGBTQIA+ people have always existed. They will always exist. They have a right to exist, to be welcomed and to live without fear or judgment.
“Conversion practices are utterly immoral, and take away people’s rights to live authentically and safe from harm. We must ensure that they become a thing of the past.
“And we know that there is parliamentary consensus to ban these practices: the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice committee was unanimous in its support for a comprehensive ban.
“I urge the Scottish Government to rethink delaying progress that they can make today, and end conversion practices in Scotland now.”
