Britain plans to criminalize therapy aimed at changing gender orientation
Kyiv • UNN
Britain has introduced a bill to criminalize conversion practices. Offenders face up to five years in prison.
Britain on Thursday presented plans to criminalize violent and harmful practices aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Reuters reports, writes UNN.
Details
It is noted that the government published a draft law on "conversion" practices for England and Wales, which bans so-called "conversion therapies".
Individuals who carry out such practices may face an unlimited fine or imprisonment for up to five years.
The bill also criminalizes encouraging or facilitating conversion therapies conducted outside England and Wales.
The United Kingdom committed to banning "conversion" practices in 2021, and in January 2023 reaffirmed this commitment.
The measures provided for in the draft law will also introduce civil protection measures similar to those in place for forced marriages and female genital mutilation, with the aim of protecting individuals at risk of abuse.
The legislation provides exceptions for what has been defined as lawful medical care, allowing therapists and counselors to continue open conversations about sexuality and identity.
The proposed bill will undergo preliminary legislative scrutiny before being submitted to parliament for further discussion.