ALBA Party lodge opposition to Scottish Government ‘Conversion Therapy Ban’
ALBA Party have lodged their opposition to the Scottish Government’s proposed Conversion Therapy Ban.
The Scottish Government wishes to introduce a ban on so called conversion therapy practices, with a Government consultation closing today.
ALBA Party’s Westminster leader Neale Hanvey MP says that “Very few people in society will instinctively support conversion therapy. However, upon the slightest examination of the contents of the proposed legislation, it is clear that the policy is ill-defined, contradictory, completely unworkable and unnecessary given existing legislation.”
ALBA say that the lack of clear definitions for terms such as "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" only exacerbates the confusion surrounding the proposed legislation.
Hanvey has warned that the proposed legislation has the potential to criminalise faith leaders and medical professionals who are carrying out their legal and moral duties with his Party further warning that the proposed legislation will run contrary to several articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Scottish Government claim that Conversion practices are damaging and destructive acts that violate the human rights of those who undergo them.
Commenting ALBA Party Westminster leader Neale Hanvey MP said:
“I am pleased to support ALBA Party’s submission today that opposes the Scottish Government’s ban on so called conversion therapy.
“ALBA Party has consistently advocated for personal freedom and voluntary choice in all matters, including matters of identity and personal belief.
“While we support the aim of protecting individuals from harmful practices, we have concerns about the proposed measures outlined by the Scottish Government. We believe that they could excessively intrude on private and family life, as well as impede freedom of expression and religion.
“ALBA urge the government to provide evidence demonstrating the necessity for such legislation. There is little to no evidence that conversion practices are occurring in Scotland beyond the emerging scandal of the medical and surgical conversion of vulnerable young LGB people because of governmental enthusiasm for policies driven by gender ideology. There are valid concerns about how the concept of gender identity is understood and applied which this legislation does not address.
“We are concerned by the broad scope of the proposed definition of "conversion practices". It lacks clarity and could lead to unintended consequences, potentially criminalising lawful and legitimate interactions. This ambiguity creates uncertainty for parents, faith leaders, medical professionals and others who may inadvertently fall afoul of the law.”