University of Glasgow rallies behind government's proposed ban on conversion therapies

GETTY IMAGES: Protesters called for an end to conversion therapy during the Reclaim Pride event in London this year

by David Itai

The University of Glasgow's School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing has pulled its full weight behind the government's proposed ban on conversion therapies.

Last year, Elizabeth Truss, the Secretary of State for Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and Minister for Women and Equalities presented to Parliament a proposed Bill on the banning of conversion therapies.

"The United Kingdom (UK) is a global leader on LGBT rights and is committed to banning the coercive and abhorrent practice of conversion therapy. We want every individual to have the freedom to be themselves and proposals have been developed with the protection of LGBT people in mind. The proposals we are bringing forward in this consultation are intended to ensure that everyone in this country is protected through both criminal and civil measures.

Our proposed package of measures includes legislating to introduce a new criminal offence and to ensure that conversion therapy is recognised appropriately when it is the motivation for an existing crime. This is a robust, effective and proportionate policy that will have a demonstrable impact on the ground.

I am also proposing a number of further civil measures to make sure the ban is effective, including Conversion Therapy Protection Orders, restricting promotion, removing profit streams, and strengthening the case for disqualification from holding a senior role in a charity. We will also be launching a support service for victims that will offer help and assistance to those who have been through or are at risk of conversion therapy. This administration is the first UK government to commit to providing such support.

I want to reassure those who may have concerns about the impact of this ban on clinicians’ independence as well as on freedom of speech. People’s personal freedoms are key to the health and functioning of a democratic society, such as freedom of choice, freedom of speech and belief, and are central to my proposals. It is also vitally important that no person is forced or coerced into conversion therapy, and that young people are supported in exploring their identity without being encouraged towards one particular path. This is especially the case for those who are under 18 and where this might result in an irreversible decision. These proposals therefore, do not alter the existing clinical regulatory framework or the independence of regulated clinicians working within their professional obligations," read part of the proposal presented by the Minister.

As a result, the University of Glasgow has since committed to the banning of LGBTQIA2+ conversion therapies, agreeing that medical students and staff should under no circumstances participate in the provision of conversion therapies and ensuring that curricula includes an awareness of conversion therapy, its harms and the importance of working with LGBTQIA2+ patients to respect and affirm their gender or sexual identify.

However, conversion therapy which tries to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity, is yet to be outlawed in the UK.