The Equality Network and Stonewall have produced guides to help the public bring about an end to so-called conversion “therapy”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY BASEIMAGE
In a resolute stance against the harmful impact of so-called conversion “therapy”, the Scottish Government took a bold step forward by unveiling detailed plans for legislation on 9 January 2024. These proposals, aimed at eradicating conversion practices across Scotland, signified a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA rights.
Accessible via Citizen Space, the consultation will provide a crucial platform for voices to be heard until 2 April. The government is keen to gather a diverse range of perspectives to inform the shaping of effective legislation, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to protect vulnerable communities.
In this case, the term “conversion practices” will refer to acts which are intended to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Equality Network has produced a guide to help you answer the consultation. DIVA spoke to the CEO, Dr Rebecca Crowther, to find out more about why this consultation is so important.
“We have been working towards this consultation, and pushing for a Bill to end conversion practices in Scotland, for almost 5 years now,” she explained. “There is now only a few weeks left before the consultation closes to influence the shape of this Bill before it heads into Scottish Parliament.”
“It is so important to hear the voices of lesbian and bi women here. There is a concerted effort to prevent this legislation from developing as it should, and it is imperative that all voices of the LGBTQA+ community are heard – so that we can finally put an end to abusive and deeply harmful conversion practices in Scotland.”
She continued: “It is vitally important that not only do the Scottish Government legislate to end these insidious, coercive and incredibly harmful practices, but that they endeavour to develop and deliver a suite of measures that will work with and within communities to truly see an end to them. This is why we call for an ‘end’ to conversion practices, rather than simply for a ‘ban’ – this aspect of the work is so important.”
“We need the community to respond to the consultation and to be heard before it’s too late.”
You can read The Equality Network’s guide to answering the consultation here: equality-network.org/ending-conversion-practices/
Equalities Minister, Emma Roddick, also told DIVA: “Conversion practices, which aim to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, are damaging and destructive acts that violate people’s human rights. Sadly, these practices still happen today and they have absolutely no place in Scotland.”
“In taking forward our commitment to ban conversion practices we are leading the way in the UK and joining the growing list of countries acting to address this harm.”
“The consultation responses we receive will help us to further consider those measures we can take to stop the harm of conversion practices and protect those at risk while ensuring that freedoms – including freedoms of speech, religion, and belief – are safeguarded.”
Stonewall has also produced a guide to answering the consultation which will help bring around the necessary changes to fully end the harmful practice. It is important that members of the public use their own words to answer, and do not just copy directly from Stonewall’s guide. Find out more here: stonewall/ending-conversion-practices-scotland.
According to the organisation Ban Conversion Therapy, 7% of LGBTQIA people have undergone or been offered so-called conversion therapy. By creating legislation that bans these harmful practices, the Scottish government could be protecting thousands of queer people across the country.
DIVA magazine celebrates 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
