SCOTTISH LGBT campaigners have welcomed a “game-changer” report which backs a ban on conversion practices and ruled out any religious loopholes.
The Scottish Government’s expert advisory group published their findings on conversion practices, sometimes referred to as “therapy”, on Tuesday October 4.
Campaigners say that the practices cause a severe impact on mental health and that 7% of LGB people, 13% of trans people and 10% of asexual people had been subjected to or offered such practices in the UK.
READ MORE: Stone of Destiny liberator Ian Hamilton dies aged 97
The recommendations state that all practices which aim to change, inhibit, and/or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression should be banned in Scotland.
The report acknowledges the diversity of methods and settings in which conversion practices occur and puts survivor autonomy first and foremost.
It also notes that the practices can infringe on a person’s human rights and rejects the argument that a ban would impact on freedom of religion or freedom of expression.
The report echoes the findings of the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee earlier this year.
On the specific issue of a religious exemption, the report said: "The Group does not consider that a ban on conversion practices leads to an unlawful restriction of freedom of religion or freedom of expression. Numerous religious groups have declared their support for the prohibition of conversion practices."
End Conversion Therapy Scotland, campaigners who have spearheaded the bid for a conversion practices ban, said: “This report recognises the need for a comprehensive ban of all Conversion Practices on the basis of both sexuality and gender identity, and wherever it may occur.
“This report is a game-changer for LGBTQ+ rights in Scotland.
“We’re glad that the group has recommended a full and comprehensive ban which protects all LGBTQ+ people from conversion therapy - on the basis of both sexuality and gender identity, and wherever it may occur.
“People cannot truly consent to attempts to change unchangeable aspects of who they are, this is recognised in the report.
READ MORE: Liz Truss's conference speech interrupted by protesters asking 'who voted for this?'
“The criminalisation of conversion therapy cannot come soon enough,” they added.
Rev’d. Elder Maxwell Reay of the Metropolitan Community Church, and member of the expert advisory group, said: “Conversion ideology still harms LGBTQ+ people in Scotland today. As a faith leader in an LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming church, a survivor of conversion practice efforts myself, and as a member of this expert advisory group, I wholly welcome the principles and recommendations made within this report.
“If taken on by the Scottish Government, this work will hopefully, finally, bring a long awaited end to conversion practices in every setting in Scotland.”
Richy Edwards, a survivor of conversion practices and advisory group member, said: “The difference that these recommendations, including support measures, will make to lives across the country cannot be overestimated. If adopted Scotland will become a safer place for all LGBTQ+ people.”
READ MORE: Liz Truss pledges to 'face down separatists' in Conservative conference speech
Dr Rebecca Crowther, policy coordinator at Equality Network and member of the expert advisory group said: “This work has been rigorous and tough, particularly for survivors. This report sets out a clear, well-thought-out, comprehensive, sensitive, and powerful set of principles that would go all the way in ending conversion practices in Scotland.
“There is a lot of work to be done and, now more than ever, an undeniable need to get on with the bill drafting - and finally put these awful practices to bed.”
Out for Independence, the SNP’s LGBT affiliate, also welcomed the report. They said: “It is thorough and unequivocal in its calls for an inclusive definition of conversion practices, without exemptions or loopholes.
“It is heartening to see that they are taking seriously, the harm that conversion therapy does to its victims, and important they have also called for support for survivors, education and outreach, and the creation of reporting systems that respect the privacy of survivors.
“The report's focus on the human rights of LGBTQ+ people and support for survivors shows how politics can be done differently.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel