7. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Conversion Therapy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:54 pm on 26 April 2022.

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Photo of Altaf Hussain Altaf Hussain Conservative 4:54, 26 April 2022

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Thank you, Deputy Minister. Being a member of the LGBT+ community is not an illness to be cured, and any step we can take to ban conversion therapy for good must be welcomed. Banning conversion therapy is a huge step in providing equality for the LGBT community. Conversion therapy is toxic and can have a huge impact on the mental and physical well-being of persons going through it. No-one should be made to feel ashamed to be who they are. While those who have gender identity dilemmas are equally right to expect the same dignity and protection as gay, lesbian and bisexual people, this issue requires a different approach. Gender identity can lead to a number of physical and mental changes that would be totally life-changing in every way. Instead of signing a memorandum of understanding to ban conversion therapy, why hasn't the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay just cracked on and banned it? I fear that this is just another example of Labour making all the right noises, especially with an election just over one week away, but not doing anything meaningful about it. A different approach is needed to make sure that a person's transitioning receives the correct support and process that they need to get to the point that they feel most comfortable. Their body, their choice, their identity. Thank you.