PACE passes resolution calling for a ban on conversion practices
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has passed a resolution for a ban on conversion practices
On Thursday 29 January, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe passed a resolution calling for a ban on conversion practices across its member states. The resolution calls on governments to end practices that attempt to change, cure or suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
The report was put forward by Labour MP, Kate Osborne MP. The resolution was passed with 71 members voting in favour, 26 against and two abstentions.
What does this mean?
The resolution urges member states to introduce legislative bans on conversion practices, and encourages collaboration with civil society, professional organisations, and religious groups to promote awareness, training, and support for survivors.
Although the resolution is non-binding, it does provide guidance for national authorities. The resolution also sends a clear message that conversion practices violate human rights, and should not be tolerated.
Conversion practices are widely discredited and the physical and psychological impact on those subjected to them has been recognised by the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Other countries have bans already
A growing number of countries worldwide have passed legislation to ban conversion practices, including France, Germany, Malta, Norway and the Netherlands.
The evidence supports the need for bans to be enacted and shows us how this can be done successfully. We are pleased to see this step in the right direction.
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Momentum is building. Now, it is time for the UK Government to take action and publish their draft Bill as soon as possible. It is time that LGBTQ+ people are protected from this abuse.
We will keep pushing for the UK Government to introduce a draft Bill to ban these harmful practices by the end of the parliamentary session, like they promised.