Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has outlined his commitment to oppose conversion therapy by warning that organisations supporting such practices could be stripped of funding from the city.
As part of a number of bills outlined in the Queen’s Speech last week, the government unveiled a proposed bill that would ban conversion practices aimed at changing people’s sexuality. However, the ban only fully covers under-18s and would also exclude trans conversion therapy.
Many LGBTQ+ campaigners have described conversion therapy as damaging, with a Ozanne Foundation survey finding that nearly 70pc of respondents who had undergone conversion therapy in the UK had experienced suicidal thoughts.
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In a statement released today (May 17) to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), Mr Burnham has reiterated Manchester’s stance on the practice by announcing a commitment to oppose the practice of conversion therapy in Greater Manchester alongside Greater Manchester's LGBTQ+ Panel.
“Greater Manchester should be a safe city-region for everyone, and we are committed to ending conversion therapy for all members of the LGBTQ+ community,” Mr Burnham said. “Conversion therapy is a practice where an individual or organisation seeks an intervention with a predetermined outcome to change, cure or suppress the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person.
“Just as we won't do business with those who promote discrimination or division, we believe that organisations that support, promote or facilitate conversion therapy for any member of the LGBTQ+ community should not be receiving public funding. Those organisations that support, promote, or facilitate conversion therapy or which campaign against the ending of conversion therapy should not be able to provide services on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, or to receive support from the GMCA or its affiliated community funding streams.
“I urge all public bodies, organisations and businesses in Greater Manchester to sign up to this commitment."
A recent study from Stonewall found that one in twenty LGBTQ+ people - including one fifth of transgender people - said they have have been pressured into accessing services to change their sexual orientation.
