Welsh Government vows to ban conversion therapy

The Welsh Government has vowed to ban all aspects of conversion therapy in Wales.

It made a commitment to outlaw the practice of trying to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity as Pride Month kicks off.

A host of professional bodies, including The British Psychological Society, and the Royal College of General Practitioners have said it is “unethical and potentially harmful”.

Deputy Minister for Social Partnership Hannah Blythyn said: “We have committed to creating a Wales-wide Pride Fund to support events and campaigns right across our nation.

“We’re going to point a national Pride Co-ordinator to support prides across Wales and their campaigns for equality, and we will ban all aspects of conversion therapy in Wales.

“Pride Month offers an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and what we have achieved together.

“I am forever indebted to the people who were prepared to put their heads above the parapet to enable people like me to be ourselves.

‘Achieved’ 

She added: “Together we have achieved so much. We’ve embedded Relationships and sexuality Education into the new curriculum ensuring LGBTQ+ inclusive education for all.

“As part of the four Nations’ agreement, we removed the barriers for LGBTQ+ people to donate blood, meaning everyone who can give blood should be given the opportunity to help others.

“We have become the first UK nation to make PrEP available on the NHS. Additionally, we established a ground-breaking Gender Identity Service to support our Trans family.

“Without all those people who fought to make this possible we simply would not be where we are today.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Progress is never inevitable – we must always guard the ground that has already been won.

“But working together, with one voice, as a united Wales, we can push forward our vision for a stronger, greener and fairer future for us all.