Labour MP Nadia Whittome blasts Tory government over ‘conversion therapy’ ban delays
"It is an utter disgrace"
The Labour MP, Nadia Whittome, has described the Conservative government as “an utter disgrace” over delays to a ‘conversion therapy’ ban.
Over the weekend it was reported that the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, was ditching a ban yet again, after seemingly recommitting to one just days earlier.
Responding to the reports, Whittome told Attitude that the “never-ending u-turns” showed “just how much contempt the Conservative Party has for the LGBTQ+ community.”
“The Prime Minister is more concerned about appeasing extremists on his backbenches than protecting LGBTQ+ people’s human rights” – Nadia Whittome
The Labour MP for Nottingham East added: “We’re talking about practices that the UN says can amount to torture. Every day that goes by without a ban means more harm.
“It is an utter disgrace that the Prime Minister is more concerned about appeasing extremists on his backbenches than protecting LGBTQ+ people’s human rights.”
Separately she also commented on a rise in anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from the Conservative Party as “horrifying.”
In a statement, the government told Attitude: “No one in this country should be harmed or harassed for who they are.”
“That is why we are carefully considering this very complex issue.”
‘Conversion therapy’ is a debunked practice that seeks to change someone’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
A ban in the UK was first promised in 2018 by then-PM Theresa May. It has since been faced with numerous delays with PM Boris Johnson briefly dropping plans last year.
Last month, it was reported that Rishi Sunak was considering shelving plans for the ban.