UK: Amnesty brings 'conversion therapy' torture ban message to Downing Street

UK-wide bans on LGBT+ 'conversion therapy' should be urgently introduced, Amnesty International UK will tell the Government today, as the Prime Minister hosts a Pride reception at 10 Downing Street. 

The Government has said it is committed to ban the practice but only after a public consultation, which some campaigners fear will lead to opt-outs for religious groups.  

There is no published timetable for the consultation or any legislation. 

Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International UK, who will attend today’s 10 Downing Street reception for Pride, said: 

“So-called conversion therapy can constitute torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment – it has no place in our society. 

“We are urging Ministers to introduce a blanket ban on conversion therapy without delay, a ban we want to see replicated in all parts of the UK.  

“'Praying the gay away’ is just as unacceptable as any other pseudoscientific approach which tells LGBTI+ people they are ‘sick’ and ‘broken’.  

“It’s time to stamp out this hideous practice once and for all.”