Conversion therapy ban in Scotland 'kicked into long grass'
Plans to outlaw conversion therapy were one of the pillars of the Bute House agreement with the Scottish Greens, and the SNP said they would continue on track after the electoral pact was ended by former First Minister Humza Yousaf.
However, the moves have remained in the long grass and will now await action by the next administration, following the election in 2026.
The failure to bring forward a ban has been described as 'shameful' by Scottish Greens equality spokesperson Maggie Chapman MSP, who said that LGBTQIA+ were being put at 'serious risk' by conversion therapy.
Holyrood's equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said while the Scottish Government will 'continue to work' with Westminster on a UK-wide approach, Holyrood ministers will 'get on with the job of ending these harmful practices' if there is no progress.
She promised that if the UK Labour Government fails to legislate on the issue, an SNP Scottish Government will 'publish its own Bill in year one of the next parliamentary session'.
Kaukab Stewart (Image: PA) The Scottish Government previously committed to banning conversion therapy – which aims to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or identity – as part of the powersharing deal between the SNP and the Scottish Greens.
The Bute House Agreement ended before legislation was brought forward, with the Scottish Government saying earlier this year that it will prepare its own Bill 'should a UK-wide approach not be achievable'.
Ministers are said to be continuing to engage with the UK Government to 'fully explore' legislation which could be applied across Scotland, England and Wales.
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Ms Stewart said: 'Scotland remains absolute in our commitment to equality, the rights of the LGBTQI+ community, and ending conversion practices.
'We will continue to work with the UK Government on legislation extending to Scotland, that applies across all settings and protects all ages, is trans-inclusive and does not include any exemption for consent.
'However, if we do not make progress through a collaborative approach, the Scottish Government will get on with the job of ending these harmful practices in Scotland and intends to publish its own Bill in year one of the next parliamentary session.'
In light of the Supreme Court ruling that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex', Ms Stewart said recent weeks have been 'challenging for our LGBTQI+ communities'.
But she told them: 'We want you to know we stand with you and we will work tirelessly to ban conversion practices once and for all.'
The minister also stressed the Scottish Government will 'continue to develop and deliver other measures to end conversion practices and support survivors'.
Maggie Chapman (Image: PA) She said: 'So far, we have funded the establishment of a national helpline for anyone affected by conversion practices.
'We are improving how primary care services in the NHS respond to those affected by conversion practices by updating mental health and wellbeing resources.
'And we are supporting young people though our inclusive education programme and working with Young Scot to provide accessible, youth-focused information and signposting on conversion practices, safeguarding and support.'
Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said: 'LGBTQIA+ people are put at serious risk by cruel, harmful conversion practices that are currently flying under the radar. So-called conversion 'therapies' are deeply immoral and leave lasting damage for survivors. These abusive practices have no place in a modern, progressive Scotland.
'This sends a terrible message. Our government must offer compassion, kindness and reassurance, not only in words but also in laws.
'The Scottish Government should not be kicking these bills into the long grass, but that is exactly what is happening. The promises of support and justice tomorrow mean nothing to those being actively harmed by inaction today.'
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