Scottish Tories split from UK Government and back trans-inclusive conversion therapy ban
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Douglas Ross’ party has said it will back a “trans inclusive” ban on conversion practices should legislation proposing such come to Holyrood.
The SNP/Green coalition has committed to a ban on conversion therapy by the end of 2023 after MSPs overwhelmingly backed the move following a petition to the Scottish Parliament.
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Hide AdThe majority of LGBT groups argue a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy would stop the pseudoscientific practice of attempting to change someone's sexuality or gender identity using psychological, physical, or spiritual interventions.
However gender critical campaigners say a ban on conversion therapy which extends to trans people could see legitimate therapy for those potentially suffering from gender dysphoria criminalised amid warnings a “gender affirmative” approach could harm children.
Downing Street plans for a conversion therapy ban were thrown into confusion amid an embarrassing double u-turn by Boris Johnson last week.
This saw plans for a ban ditched, only to be resurrected following a backlash from LGBT charities and MPs, but excluding trans conversion therapy which had been banned in the original proposals.
However, in a split from their UK colleagues, the Scottish Conservatives have said they will back a trans-inclusive ban.
Asked what their position on the issue was following the UK Government’s U-turn, the party’s gender reform spokesperson, Meghan Gallacher said the Tories would stick to their manifesto promise.
She said: “As our manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election made clear, we are in favour of a ban on the abhorrent practice of conversion therapy.
"We continue to support a ban on conversion therapy, including trans conversion therapy, and we will vote for that ban if the legislation comes through the Scottish Parliament."