Conversion practice ban must not be watered down or delayed
Scotland must not delay a ban on conversion practices or outsource the decision to Westminster, says the Scottish Greens equalities spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP.
Ms Chapman’s comments follow confirmation that the long-promised legislation will be dropped in favour of working with the UK government on a four nation approach that will take longer and will give Scotland little, if any, influence. [1]
Conversion practices, sometimes called ‘conversion therapy’ are acts that intend to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The ban was a key part of the cooperation agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.
Ms Chapman said:
“This is a deeply disappointing decision by the SNP, and a sad day for equalities in our country.
"These brutal and inhumane practices have no place in a modern or inclusive Scotland. For three years, the SNP has been promising people that a comprehensive Scottish ban would be introduced and many will be devastated that they are going back on their word and kicking the can further down the road.
“There is no reason for this legislation to be outsourced to Westminster or for us to sign up to a process that we know will not only lead to significant delays but could end up going nowhere. Scottish voices would have limited influence and there are a lot of LGBTQIA+ people who simply do not trust the UK government.
"Scotland has the power to ban these practices now. We don't need to wait for Westminster to do it for us.
“There isn’t time to waste, and at best this will lead to further delays and more people being forced to endure these awful practices.
“The Scottish Government must not cut corners when it comes to equality, and it must not water down its human rights commitments to appease the most socially conservative elements in its party.
"I urge the First Minister to reconsider this decision and to uphold the promise that he and his colleagues made - repeatedly - to introduce a watertight, comprehensive ban for Scotland.”
[1] Today’s Programme for Government commits to “Progressing our commitment to ending conversion practices in Scotland and work towards complementary approaches across the UK. We will prepare legislation for introduction to the Scottish Parliament should a UK-wide approach not be achievable. By strengthening the support and services available to victims and survivors of conversion practices, we will ensure inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do.”