Sahir has welcomed the publication of the UK Government’s long-awaited Draft Conversion Practices Bill, describing it as a vital step towards protecting LGBTQ+ people from abuse and welcoming the inclusion of transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people within the proposed legislation.

The charity said so-called “conversion practices” are nothing more than quack medicine, based on the false and dangerous premise that someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity can or should be changed.

Simon Harris, Chief Executive of Sahir, said:

“Conversion practices are quack medicine dressed up as counselling, prayer or therapy. They have no scientific credibility, no therapeutic value and leave many survivors with lasting psychological trauma.

“Nobody needs to be cured of being lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. The only thing that needs curing is the prejudice that drives these abusive practices.

“We particularly welcome the Government’s decision to ensure this legislation protects transgender and non-binary people as well as lesbian, gay and bisexuals. Every LGBTQ+ person deserves the same protection from abuse.”

Successive governments have promised to outlaw conversion practices for years, but campaigners have repeatedly been left waiting. Sahir said the publication of the draft Bill was long overdue and follows the Government’s commitment made last year to introduce trans-inclusive legislation.

The charity is now urging MPs and peers from all parties to work together to ensure the legislation completes its passage through Parliament as quickly as possible.

Simon Harris added:

“Every day without this law is another day when vulnerable people remain at risk of harm. Parliament must now move swiftly to pass this legislation before anyone else is subjected to these cruel and discredited practices.

“This should never have become a political football. It is about protecting people from abuse and ensuring that future generations of LGBTQ+ people can live free from attempts to erase who they are.”

Sahir has long supported efforts to end conversion practices and believes the proposed legislation sends an important message that LGBTQ+ identities are not illnesses to be treated, but part of the rich diversity of modern society.

ENDS