The Scottish Government is being urged to bring forward its own legislation banning conversion practices rather than relying on proposals being developed at Westminster.
Scottish Greens equalities spokesperson Kate Nevens MSP wants a commitment to a Scotland specific ban included in next week’s Programme for Government.
Conversion practices are intended to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, with campaigners arguing that comprehensive legislation is needed to protect people from them.
Scotland is currently the only part of the UK where draft legislation aimed at banning the practices has not been introduced.
The Scottish Government had previously committed to legislation but shelved those plans in 2024 in favour of pursuing a possible UK wide approach.
That decision came after work had already included a public consultation, engagement with survivors and discussions with human rights organisations.
The situation changed again in June when the UK Government published proposed legislation covering England and Wales but not Scotland.
Equality and human rights organisations have also raised concerns about limitations and potential loopholes within the Westminster proposals.
The Scottish Greens now want ministers to revive the work already carried out in Scotland and introduce separate legislation to the Scottish Parliament.
Kate Nevens MSP said:
“Conversion practices are cruel, abusive and profoundly damaging.
“They have no place in modern Scotland.
“No one should ever be made to feel that who they are is something that needs to be fixed, changed or erased.
“A comprehensive ban in Scotland has been promised for far too long.
“Next week’s Programme for Government must see that promise turned into action.
“We need Scotland-specific legislation to come to Parliament for scrutiny as soon as possible.
“The UK Government’s current draft bill on conversion practices not only fails to cover Scotland, it also fails to adequately address all forms of conversion practices and protect everyone from harm.
“Any ban must be watertight.
“It must protect everyone affected, leave no loopholes for abuse and ensure that no-one is left behind.
“We should listen carefully to the concerns already being raised about the Westminster proposals, and learn from them to make sure Scotland delivers the strongest possible protections.
“Much of the groundwork has already been done in Scotland to develop a Scotland-specific bill.
“We have an opportunity now to build on that work and deliver legislation that is ambitious, effective and worthy of the people it is intended to protect.
“Far too many people have endured the fear, shame and trauma of these dehumanising practices.
“Their experiences must not be ignored, and future generations must never have to go through the same thing.
“We are urging the Scottish Government to use next week’s Programme for Government to commit to delivering a comprehensive ban that LGBTQ+ people and survivors deserve and have waited long enough for.
“If the Government is prepared to act, they will have our full support.”
The Programme for Government will now provide the next indication of whether ministers intend to return to a specifically Scottish bill or continue pursuing another route.
For the Greens, the position is clear that Scotland should legislate for itself and ensure any eventual ban leaves no room for practices intended to change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity.
