Calls to ban 'conversion therapy'

Government told to get on with it

Exeter councillors have backed a motion in support of the LGBT+ community and called on the government to follow through on its plan to outlaw ‘conversion therapy.’

The practice, according to the NHS, attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, called “unethical and potentially harmful” by it and other organisations.

Earlier this year, the government outlined plans in the Queen’s Speech to ban conversion therapy. A consultation on the legislation has recently been extended by eight weeks “to ensure the widest possible views are taken into account.”

The consultation is considering religious freedoms and how to protect accredited professionals, but LGBT rights charity Stonewall says the practice must be banned without further delay.

Exeter City Council’s motion was brought to a full meeting this week by co-leader of the Progressive Group, five councillors from the Lib Dems, Greens and Independents, Councillor Kevin Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard & St James). It received unanimous support from all parties.

The motion is: “This council recognises and opposes the ongoing harm the practice of so-called conversion therapy brings to LGBT+ people” and called on the government to “follow through on the promises made” to ban the practice.

“Furthermore, this council will highlight and promote the continued support, counselling and advocacy our local groups provide to members of the LGBT+ community.”

The motion described how the council “opposes the harm caused to our LGBT+ community in the past through the denial of rights and equal treatment and further recognises that discrimination does still occur today.”

It concluded: “This council recognises the excellent work done by local people and organisations to support the LGBT+ community here in Exeter, and extends its thanks and support to them.”

Speaking on the motion, Councillor Rob Hannaford (Labour, St Thomas) said the therapy has historically and currently been “akin to torture”, adding: “There has been extreme physical harm, prolonged cruelty, historically the electric shock treatment, poisoning, force-feeding, starvation and deprivation of liberty.”

“We know that most people’s gender identity is often in place very early and we all know that every human being is essentially unique, so it’s completely ridiculous to expect there’s some binary choice …. that it’s the only way that people can live their lives,” he added.

“I think we need to foster and develop a culture and a society that supports and respects diversity and difference, including allowing people to have the support to come to terms with their sexual identity.

Councillor Emma Morse (Labour, Mincinglake & Whipton) said: “I am the mother of two mostly perfect teenagers. They couldn’t be more perfect and their friends couldn’t be more perfect if they tried.”

She added: “The thing that would break my heart most in the world is if anybody thought that those perfect people had to change in any way, that they weren’t good and wonderful just the way they are, teaching an old woman new tricks.

“So, I can’t understand how anybody wouldn’t vote for this. I don’t think there should be any exceptions.”

Every councillor voted for Cllr Mitchell’s motion.