UK: 'Worrying loopholes' in LGBT+ conversion therapy consultation

In response to a UK Government consultation on restricting LGBT+ conversion “therapy”, Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International UK, said:

“We need a comprehensive ban on these abhorrent practices without delay.

“So-called conversion ‘therapy’ can constitute torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, with LGBTI+ people targeted, often under the guise of religious belief.

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

“Worryingly, these Government proposals appear to leave loopholes, such as the definition of consent, which could be exploited by those who wish to perpetuate these cruel practices.

“Conversion ‘therapy’ has no place anywhere in our society and we will continue to press for comprehensive bans in all parts of the UK.”