Rishi Sunak ‘will go ahead with conversion therapy ban’ after warnings of revolt by ministers and Tory MPs – despite fears parents could be criminalised for ‘legitimate conversations’ with children about gender identity

Rishi Sunak looks poised to go ahead with a ban on conversion therapy after a Tory revolt. 

A draft bill is expected to be included in the King’s Speech that would make it a criminal offence to try to change another person’s sexuality or gender identity in England and Wales.

The issue has been the subject of intense wrangling in Westminster, with concerns that the ban could have ‘unintended consequences’ for parents and teachers dealing with trans children.

Campaigners warned that a badly-worded law could leave teachers open to court action if they tell children not to use opposite-sex toilets or prevent boys competing in girls’ sport.

However, chief whip Simon Hart is said to have raised alarm about a major rebellion if the idea was dropped, with Tory MPs potentially backing a Labour amendment to the planned Crime and Justice Bill.

Equalities minister Stuart Andrew was also feared to be ready to quit if the measure was not brought forward, according to The Times.

Rishi Sunak (pictured on a visit to Essex yesterday) looks poised to go ahead with a ban on conversion therapy after a Tory revolt

Kemi Badenoch is understood to believe that the move can be implemented without a ‘chilling’ effect, although the bill is still being drawn up

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt wrote to campaigners in March promising that draft legislation would be published for scrutiny before the end of the parliamentary session, with a view to changing the law in the King’s Speech in November

The government has insisted the legislation would not have any impact on ‘legitimate conversations’ with individuals who are considering changing gender. 

Kemi Badenoch is understood to believe that the move can be implemented without a ‘chilling’ effect, although the bill is still being drawn up.

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt wrote to campaigners in March promising that draft legislation would be published for scrutiny before the end of the parliamentary session, with a view to changing the law in the King’s Speech in November.

But last month Ms Mordaunt ducked questions about whether the commitment would still be met.

Last month the Scottish government postponed a ban on conversion therapy amid warnings it could criminalise parents who question their child’s wish to change gender.

Holyrood had promised to publish legislation by the end of 2023, but it was dropped from a new programme for government – the Scottish version of the King’s Speech.

It has been replaced by a consultation which will not report until next year.

Source: Read Full Article