Statement by Equalities Minister
The Scottish Government is committed to ending harmful conversion
practices and is continuing to engage with the UK Government to
fully explore legislation covering England, Wales and Scotland.
However Equalities minister has confirmed that if this
approach cannot be agreed, the Scottish Government intends to
publish its own Bill in Year 1 of the next Parliamentary session.
Ms Stewart said:
“Scotland remains absolute in our commitment to equality, the
rights of the LGBTQI+ community, and ending conversion
practices.
“We will continue to work with the UK government on legislation
extending to Scotland, that applies across all settings and
protects all ages, is trans-inclusive and does not include any
exemption for consent.
“However, if we do not make progress through a collaborative
approach, the Scottish Government will get on with the job of
ending these harmful practices in Scotland and intends to publish
its own Bill in year one of the next Parliamentary session.
“We will also continue to develop and deliver other measures to
end conversion practices and support survivors.
“So far, we have funded the establishment of a national helpline
for anyone affected by conversion practices. We are improving how
Primary Care Services in the NHS respond to those affected by
conversion practices by updating mental health and wellbeing
resources. And we are supporting young people though our
inclusive education programme and working with Young Scot to
provide accessible, youth-focused information and signposting on
conversion practices, safeguarding and support.
“These recent weeks have been challenging for our LGBTQI+
communities and we want you to know we stand with you and we will
work tirelessly to ban conversion practices once and for all.”
Background:
Written question and answer
S6W-37425
This year we will provide over £1.1 million in funding to LGBTQI+
organisations to advance equality for this group.
Conversion practices are abusive and harmful practices that
seek to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or
gender identity. No person or organisation should try to change
or suppress another person's sexual orientation or gender
identity, whatever that is.
