Conversion therapy is an abhorrent practise and that no individual should have to go through this harmful practise because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The government promised to outlaw conversion therapy back in 2018. Conversion therapy has been condemned by all medical bodies, as well as the Church of England. There is also widespread support for a ban across most of the UK’s political parties, the Labour Party has consistently called for legislation for it to be banned.

The fact that this should continue to be an issue in 2021 is obscene. Conversion therapy should already be illegal.

LGBT conversion therapies are disgusting, exploitative, damaging and a relic of bigotry. In 2021, we recognise better than ever what illness and disease look like. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans is not a sickness; it is a fundamental part of an individual’s very identity. So-called LGBT conversion therapies need to be banned.

LGBT+ deserve to live with dignity and respect. Nobody should be made to feel ashamed of themselves because of who they are or who they love, and that is why we need to ban conversion therapy as soon as possible.

Sheffield Labour have a proud record as allies of the LGBT+ community and all LGBT+ people in the city. Please be assured that we want to continue to do everything in our power to make sure Sheffield is an inclusive city.

Clearly the ban on conversion therapy requires national legislation and is outside the remit of the council, but we will continue to oppose the practice and support the introduction of the ban.