Motion 103
Support Banning Conversion Therapy in Scotland
“That this Congress notes that in the 2022-2023 Programme for Government, the Scottish Government reaffirmed its commitment to introduce a Bill on ending conversion practices in Scotland and has subsequently launched a public consultation.
“Congress further notes that ‘conversion therapy’ or ‘conversion practice’ is an umbrella term referring to acts which intend to change and/or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity; and that this so-called ‘therapy’ is rooted in an untrue and harmful historical supposition that LGBT+ people are sick, unwell, mentally ill or broken in some way.
“Congress acknowledges the decades-long and dedicated campaigning of the International LGBT+ movement who’ve fought for progress for LGBT+ people, and not to be routinely pathologised, nor subjected to harmful practices under the auspices of family, community or religious belief.
“Congress is alarmed by recent political machinations, including from the UK Minister for Women and Equalities, to usurp the meaning of a possible conversion therapy ban, in order to negatively impact upon trans people’s affirmations and access to necessary healthcare.
“Congress agrees that conversion therapy must be banned in Scotland and the need for trade union solidarity in the face of possible attacks on the conversion therapy consultation.
“Therefore, we call on the General Council and affiliates to:
- unequivocally support the campaign to ban conversion therapy; and
- reject any attacks on the conversion therapy ban, including attempts to usurp its meaning and attack or delegitimise health and other supports for trans people.”
Mover: STUC Annual LGBT+ Workers’ Conference
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