BPS publishes its response to government’s consultation on banning conversion therapy
After consultation and engagement with its members, the BPS has submitted its response to the government’s consultation to introduce a legislative ban on conversion therapy.
09 February 2022
The response details the BPS' position on the need for an urgent ban on conversion therapy, the psychological evidence behind our position and areas of concern where we think the proposed package of measures is lacking.
Sarb Bajwa, Chief Executive of the BPS, said:
"The society has long called for swift action to outlaw conversion therapy practice because it is unethical, potentially harmful, and not supported by evidence.
We have worked closely with our partners on the Memorandum of Understanding on conversion therapy, the BPS Sexualities Section, Practice Board, Diversity Taskforce and our wider membership to produce our response and we are grateful to everybody for their input and expertise on this issue.
Our response raises a number of concerns and we currently don't believe the proposals go far enough towards a full ban of conversion therapy.
We have serious reservations about their effectiveness to protect many of those who undergo conversion therapy from all of its associated harms.
We will continue to work closely with our members and partners to continue to engage with this process as it moves forward to ensure a full and proper ban is achieved."
Read the full BPS response to the Consultation on Banning Conversion Therapy