CitizenGO logo

Labour's 'conversion therapy' ban will harm children, criminalise parents, and place restrictions on talking and praying

Labour's 'conversion therapy' ban will harm children, criminalise parents, and place restrictions on talking and praying
petition author imageCitizenGO - started this petition to The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP - 2024/07/18

Labour has confirmed it will proceed with its pledged “trans-inclusive” ban on ‘conversion therapy’ and ‘conversion practices’.


Announcing that work has begun on a ban, Sir Keir Starmer said it was “a promise that has lingered in the lobby of good intentions for far too long”.


While the specifics of the ban remain unclear, it is important to note that harmful physical ‘conversion practices’ do not happen in the UK and are already illegal.


Therefore, any ban on 'conversion practices' would primarily impact free speech, including consensual conversations, counselling, and even prayer.


The ramifications of this will be far-reaching and deeply concerning:

  • Loving parents could become criminals for not supporting their children’s declaration that they are transgender by placing them on a pathway that often leads to irreversible surgical changes.

  • Children with gender dysphoria could be prevented from accessing the support they need, with only ‘trans-affirming’ remaining accessible to them.

  • Teachers could become criminals if they ‘misgender’ a child or if they refuse to use a child’s preferred pronouns, despite there being no legal recognition of gender change for anyone under the age of 18.

  • Pastors, children’s workers, and parents could become criminals for teaching what the Bible says and for sharing what they believe. Restrictions could also be placed on prayer, even from those who request it.

Medical experts, parents, pastors, and teachers should not fear being imprisoned for refusing to go along with gender ideology!


Sign our petition to urge the Prime Minister and his Cabinet to end their reckless plans to ban 'conversion therapy' and ‘conversion practices’ across the UK.


Moreover, a ban on 'conversion therapy' will silence the voices of many individuals who have detransitioned.


Many detransitioners have shared how they felt pressured into transitioning and would have made different choices if there had been more opportunities for open dialogue and support.


Despite promises to the contrary, any legislation banning ‘conversion practices’ will likely silence any conversation or support that is anything but affirming of trans ideology and could even prevent detransitioners from telling their story.


In Malta, a Christian is being prosecuted for advertising ‘conversion practices’ because he shared his ex-gay story and his views about change-seeking therapy.


The journalists who interviewed him are also being prosecuted.


Teachers, youth workers, church ministers and many others in the UK could similarly face prosecution if a ban on ‘conversion practices’ is implemented.


We urgently need your voice to sign our petition to the Prime Minister, urging him to ensure free speech, including the stories of detransitioners, isn’t shut down.


Three-quarters of the UK public believe that individuals struggling with sexual or gender identity issues should be free to seek help through talking therapy, according to a poll conducted by Whitestone Insight.


Even in the 18-24 age group, the most likely to be LGBT-identified, the data reveals that more than 60% believe access should be freely permitted.


Another poll showed that a conversion therapy ban is very low on voters’ agendas, with only 4% listing it within their top 5 policy priorities.


It is clear the majority of the UK does not agree with a reckless and pointless ban on ‘conversion practices’.


Three-quarters of the UK is on our side for free, open conversations.


But we need as many signatures as possible to make it clear.


Sign the petition to tell Sir Keir Starmer and his government to abandon their reckless and pointless ban on ‘conversion therapy’.


--------


More information:

23,253 have signed.

Let's get to 50,000

Reconsider your ban on 'conversion practices'

Dear The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP,


We, the undersigned, call on you to reconsider the proposed ban on so-called 'conversion therapy' and conversion ‘practices’.


Harmful physical ‘conversion practices’ do not happen in the UK and are already illegal.


We, therefore, fear any ban on 'conversion practices' will impact free speech, including consensual conversations, counselling, and even prayer.


We are concerned that loving parents could become criminals for not supporting their child’s declaration that they are transgender by placing them on a pathway that often leads to irreversible surgical changes; Children with gender dysphoria could be prevented from accessing the support they need; teachers could become criminals if they ‘misgender’ a child.


Medical experts, parents, pastors, and teachers should not fear being imprisoned for refusing to go along with gender ideology or for speaking with someone about their sexuality!


Each year, heart-wrenching accounts emerge from individuals who felt pressured into transitioning. Their stories often reveal a lack of questioning or challenge during their journey. A ban on ‘conversion practices’ could silence any conversation or ‘support’ that is anything but affirming of trans ideology and could even prevent detransitioners from telling their story.


Three-quarters of the UK public believe that individuals struggling with sexual or gender identity issues should be free to seek help through talking therapy, according to a poll conducted by Whitestone Insight.


We urge you to protect children, parents, working professionals and free speech by reconsidering your plans to ban ‘conversion practices’.


Kind regards,