Bridget Phillipson: Kemi Badenoch has ‘no interest in supporting LGBT+ people’
Summary
UK Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson accused Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch of withdrawing support for LGBT+ people after the Conservatives dropped backing for a proposed ban on abusive conversion practices. The Conservatives say they oppose the draft bill because its provisions, especially those concerning gender identity, could have unintended effects; the government says the bill requires abuse, serious harm and an attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.Key Facts
- The draft bill was published in June and is open for consultation.
- The proposal includes possible prison sentences of up to five years for abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm.
- The Conservatives said their concerns include the bill’s treatment of gender identity.
- Badenoch said the bill could lead to parents being arrested for parenting their children.
- Government officials said the bill’s requirements make that outcome impossible.
- Badenoch supported the idea of a legal ban on conversion therapy in 2021, when she was an equalities minister.
- A Policy Exchange report argued that the bill’s protections could be too broad and that existing laws already cover relevant offences.
- A Conservative spokesperson said the bill could criminalise honest conversations with young people and called for support and clinical advice without pressure toward a particular conclusion.
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