The government is launching a consultation on how to make coercive conversion therapies illegal in the UK.
Setting out proposals today for how they plan to crack down on “coercive and abhorrent” practices that seek to change sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals, the Government Equalities Office said: “We recognise there is a plurality of experience in this area and that there are adults who seek counselling to help them live a life that they feel is more in line with their personal beliefs.
“We do not intend to ban adults from seeking such counselling freely, but consent requirements will be robust and stringent.”
Following the six-week consultation, the Equalities Minister, Liz Truss, will then decide on whether the plans should be amended, before a bill is drawn up by next spring.
The aim is to put the bill onto the statute book by May 2022.
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A consultation on proposals to ban conversion therapy launches today.
The six-week consultation brings the public, stakeholders and Government together to develop an effective ban.
When a national LGBT survey was conducted in 2017, around 5% of people who responded reported having been offered conversion therapy, and a further 2% of those respondents said they had undergone it.
Ensuring physical conversion therapy acts are sentenced appropriately and introducing a new offence for so-called talking conversion therapies.
Ensuring those found guilty of conversion therapy offences have any profit they obtained from those crimes removed, and strengthening the case for individuals to be disqualified from holding a senior role in a charity where they are convicted of a conversion therapy offence.
Introducing Conversion Therapy Protection Orders to protect potential victims from undergoing the practice, including abroad – this could include removing passports of potential victims, who are at risk of being taken overseas for conversion therapy.
Exploring further measures to prevent the promotion of conversion therapy.
Speaking on the launch of the consultation, Liz Truss – Minister for Women and Equalities – said: ”There should be no place for the abhorrent practice of coercive conversion therapy in our society [so] we are publishing detailed proposals that will stop appalling conversion therapies and make sure LGBT people can live their lives free from the threat of harm or abuse.
“As we build back better from the pandemic, I want everyone to be able to love who they want and be themselves.”
She also added that the “archaic practice” has “no place in modern life.”
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The government has set out proposals for how they plan to crack down on the “coercive and abhorrent” practices / Credit: Unsplash
Jayne Ozanne – who quit the government’s LGBT advisory panel in March and has direct experience of conversion therapy – told The Guardian that she welcomed the launch of the consultation, but added that she was “deeply concerned about the loophole it creates by allowing adults to consent to these harmful and degrading practices”.
She added that the consultation document “makes little mention of the harm that religious practices are known to cause”.
Alicia Kearns – a Conservative MP who has long campaigned for a conversion therapy ban – praised the “robust proposals” but added that she remains “unconvinced that anyone can consent to such an abusive practice.”
“I will look closely at the proposed ban to ensure that victims and survivors get the protections they need and deserve,” she concluded.
Stonewall UK also took to Twitter this morning to express some concerns over the launch of the consultation, saying: “Stonewall, alongside many other organisations, activists and our supporters, has campaigned for years for a ban, and the strength of these proposals is testament to the impact we have collectively had in that time – however, there are still concerning loopholes that the UK Government must close, including on prayer and statutory support for victims.”
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We also can’t support the proposals if they allow for people to “consent” to conversion therapy. A practice that is abusive cannot be consented to. If we are to truly put this shameful practice behind us, the ban must not allow for any excuses or any exemptions.
“We also can’t support the proposals if they allow for people to “consent” to conversion therapy – a practice that is abusive cannot be consented to.
If we are to truly put this shameful practice behind us, the ban must not allow for any excuses or any exemptions.”
You can find more about the proposals via the gov.uk website here.
Featured Image – Unsplash
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
29th October 2021 
