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<\/p>\nRishi Sunak\u00a0looks poised to go ahead with a ban on conversion therapy after a Tory revolt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, chief whip Simon Hart\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n
Equalities minister Stuart Andrew was also feared to be ready to quit if the measure was not brought forward, according to The Times.<\/p>\n
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Rishi Sunak (pictured on a visit to Essex yesterday) looks poised to go ahead with a ban on conversion therapy after a Tory revolt<\/p>\n
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Kemi Badenoch is understood to believe that the move can be implemented without a \u2018chilling\u2019 effect, although the bill is still being drawn up<\/p>\n
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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<\/p>\n
The government has insisted the legislation would not have any impact on ‘legitimate conversations’ with individuals who are considering changing gender.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kemi Badenoch is understood to believe that the move can be implemented without a \u2018chilling\u2019 effect, although the bill is still being drawn up.<\/p>\n
Commons Leader\u00a0Penny 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.<\/p>\n
But last month Ms Mordaunt ducked questions about whether the commitment would still be met.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It has been replaced by a consultation which will not report until next year.<\/p>\n