All though my political life I have spoken out in support of LGBTQ+ persons right to live as they know their true self to be.
I was elected on a manifesto that committed to make LGBTQ+ inclusivity a reality – eliminating remaining areas of discrimination in law and ensuring that LGBTQ+ people can live in safety and dignity. That manifesto also included plans to provide sufficient funding for schools to deliver mandatory LGBTQ+ inclusive relationships and sex education.
I am disappointed that though the Government is planning to ban Conversion therapy, it will exclude trans and non-binary people. This is clear discrimination. The Government must immediately set out a clear plan to stop the practice of conversion therapy for all LGBTQ+ people.
The Government must make it illegal, without any loopholes and provide publicly funded specialist support for all people who have experienced conversion therapy.
I will support any legislation that bans conversion practices when it comes to the House, including any amendments that protect all LGBTQ+ people, including removing the consent loophole and all exclusions.
I believe that no person should have to face being told their sexual orientation and/or identity is something that can be cured, and I will continue to do all I can in Parliament, and beyond, to fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
