Scotland must act quickly to ban conversion practices says Holyrood committee
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Scotland must not wait to put an end to conversion practices, warns Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.
In a report published today, the Committee says that legislation proposed to ban conversion practices must be full and comprehensive - covering any attempts to change a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
Conversion therapy is a term used to describe any methods which seek to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Committee’s report notes that current legislation is insufficient to stop the practice and that Scotland should not wait to hear UK government proposals before pursuing Scotland-specific legislation within the powers available to the Scottish Parliament and Government.
The report recommends that the definition of conversion practices in any proposed law makes it clear that there is no such thing as informed consent to the practice and that it cannot be used as a defence by those carrying it out.
Noting that the majority of religious organisations support a ban, the Committee also agrees that legislation should not restrict ordinary religious teaching or the right of people to take part in prayer or pastoral care to discuss, explore or come to terms with their identity in a non-judgmental and nondirective way.
The Committee indicates it is keen to learn more about the role of the Expert Advisory Group on conversion practices established by the Scottish
Government - with a view to exploring how best to bring forward a ban as quickly as possible.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP, Karen Adam, won the LGBT Leadership of the Year Award at the Proud Awards last year, and is a member of the committee who drafted the newly published report.
She has been a leading figure in progressing LGBTI+ rights and inclusion and has been a notable ally of the LGBTI+ community.
Speaking as the report was launched, Committee member Karen Adam MSP said: “The launch of this report is a monumental moment for the LGBTI+ community in Scotland.
“Conversion practices have done untold harm to so many LGBTI+ people and we owe it to each and every person who has ever endured this form of torture, to implement a full and comprehensive ban as soon as possible.
“A very small number of countries in the world have recognised how damaging conversion practices are on the safety and wellbeing of LGBTI+ people, however, Scotland has the opportunity to lead the world in displaying how this can and should be done.
“Taking evidence in preparation of this report clearly showed that an absolute ban on conversion practices is the only satisfactory outcome.
"Swift action on this issue is long overdue and Scotland must act quickly to implement a full and comprehensive ban.
“As an MSP and member of the Equalities Committee, I will do everything I can to ensure the recommendations outlined in this report are fully implemented so that no LGBTI+ person is forced to endure this form of abuse ever again.
Speaking as the report was launched, Committee Convener Joe FitzPatrick MSP said: “These unacceptable conversion practices have gone on for far too long.
“It is clear from our scrutiny that it is happening in Scotland and existing legislation is not strong enough to prevent it.
“Nobody can consent to conversion practices.
"Any attempts to change someone’s gender or sexuality is wrong and that is why we believe that nothing less than a complete ban will suffice.
“There is therefore no time to waste and we must focus our efforts on Scotland specific legislation to end this practice.
"A swift, comprehensive ban will ensure no LGBTI+ person is subjected to the ordeal of conversion practices ever again.”
