Lush’s latest window display allows you to campaign against conversion therapy at the click of a button.
Over the Valentine’s period, Lush is working alongside Galop, a UK LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, to call on MPs to introduce comprehensive legislation to fully protect the comment from “so-called” conversion therapy, with no exemptions.
The government first promised a ban on conversion therapy back in 2018 under Theresa May government’s, but since then, successive governments have failed to bring this legislation before parliament. Lush and Galop are calling on the public to help them end the abusive practice “once and for all”.
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Rishi Sunak’s government has said they will table a legislative ban on conversion therapy, with the aim of passing it before the next general election. While this announcement is to be welcomed, the campaign organisers believe it is important to ensure the legislation does not fall short of a full ban.
They said: “It must cover protection for trans people, people over the age of 18, and people who are said to have ‘consented’ to conversion practices – as you cannot consent to abuse”.
Conversion therapy is the pseudoscientific practice of attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. It can include anything from violent electroshock therapy to hypnosis or offering gay people the chance to “cure” themselves of their homosexuality through a relentless prayer session involving three days without food or water.
The British Medical Association has warned conversion therapy can cause “long-lasting psychological harm, substance abuse, or even suicide”, while human rights groups consider it a form of torture.
Until Thursday, February 16, Lush stores across the UK will feature windows bringing attention to the urgent need to protect people from the practice. Customers can scan a QR code to send a Valentine’s E-card to their MP to “have a heart and ban conversion therapy”. As well as this, customers will be invited to sign a large Valentine’s Day card in stores which will then be sent to MPs after the campaign.
During this time customers can also buy a limited edition heart-shaped ‘washcard’ for their loved ones with the words “proud to love you”. All of the money from the sales of this product - minus the VAT - will be donated to Galop to contribute to their support services for LGBT+ people experiencing conversion therapy and other forms of abuse.
Galop’s CEO, Leni Morris, said: “Five years ago, the UK Government promised to ban conversion practices. With each day that passes, more of our community are being left at risk. We know that one in five LGBT+ people in the UK experience someone trying to change, ‘cure’ or suppress their identity, so we need the whole community to be protected from this abuse.
Galop has been working with victims and survivors of conversion practices for many years, and we know the effects of this abuse can be lifelong. It’s time that all LGBT+ people are protected, with no one left behind.”
Galop’s national conversion therapy helpline is available for anyone personally affected by conversion practices, as well as anyone worried about someone in their life.
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