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Labour gender therapy plans ‘risk criminalising parents who don’t want children to transition’

32 replies

IwantToRetire · 20/10/2024 01:40

Labour’s “trans inclusive” ban on conversion therapy risks “criminalising” parents who do not want their children to transition, Sir Keir Starmer has been warned.

A cross-party group of MPs and peers as well as psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors and consultants has written to the Prime Minister to express their “grave concerns” about his proposals.

They warn that such legislation also risks criminalising therapists who do not “unconditionally affirm” a child’s desire to transition.

with the Government earlier this month launching a new Office for Equality and Opportunity, stating that one of its “key immediate priorities” will be “delivering a full, trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices”.
The new cross-departmental body will be spearheaded by Annelise Dodds, the equalities minister, who has previously vowed to make it easier to change gender.

But the letter’s 140 signatories – which include Graham Stringer, senior Labour MP, and Dr David Bell, the former Tavistock Centre governor – warn that if such a ban goes ahead, a “slippery slope towards criminalising parents awaits us”.

They point out the “serious and harmful unintended consequences” of the plans, adding that medical interventions known as “gender-affirming transition” have been revealed as a “major medical scandal”.

This is only a few paragraphs from a much longer article which can be read at https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/10/19/labour-gender-therapy-plans-risk-criminalising-parents/

Labour gender therapy plans ‘risk criminalising parents who don’t want children to transition’

Government warned that conversion therapy ban is ‘unnecessary and will lead to significant, harmful unintended consequences’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/10/19/labour-gender-therapy-plans-risk-criminalising-parents

OP posts:
HerGorgeousMajestyArabellaScott · 20/10/2024 08:17

I wish I had that faith, Red.

So far the govt have apparently been happy to breenge ahead with poorly thought through policy - 2 child limit, carbon capture, WFA - regardless of people warning them of the risks and pitfalls.

I don't known if it's incompetence, or a bullish refusal to listen to criticism, or both. Or indeed signals and favours for key funders.

RedToothBrush · 20/10/2024 08:04

The government proposals are unlikely to ultimately be passed because of this and because of the legal implications to gay people. There's a whole court case ready to go, should they pass it. The government know this.

This is an important move, because it's all about keeping up the pressure to say 'car crash here if you continue on this path'.

This government is already getting caught up in 'messy' issues. This one has neon flashing lights. They won't want the drama of it.

It'll get quietly buried at some point.

Leafstamp · 20/10/2024 07:37

OldCrone · 20/10/2024 06:12

Well, if transition just becomes a change of clothing and hairstyle, that's no bad thing.

As long as it doesn't mean we're expected to accept any man in a dress and a wig into women only spaces and pretend he's actually a woman.

If it just becomes a case of "wear what you want, but you can't change sex", that actually seems like a step forward.

I’m all for steps forward but ultimately, if we are to restore sanity, safeguarding and women’s rights we need to do away completely with the the concept of ‘transition’.

I don’t want to derail with calls for repealing the GRA, so for the purposes of this thread, the comment from Miriam Cates (on X) seems apt:

”There’s no such thing as ‘gender identity’ in law or in fact. Thus a law that criminalises anyone who seeks to ‘change or suppress’ a person’s gender identity is a nonsense. And a law that seeks to undermine parental authority is a charter for child abuse.”

SinnerBoy · 20/10/2024 07:27

But the letter’s 140 signatories – which include Graham Stringer, senior Labour MP, and Dr David Bell, the former Tavistock Centre governor – warn that if such a ban goes ahead, a “slippery slope towards criminalising parents awaits us”.

Well, at least Bell putting his name to it may stop some of the inevitable wails of "Transphobia."

OldCrone · 20/10/2024 06:12

Well, if transition just becomes a change of clothing and hairstyle, that's no bad thing.

As long as it doesn't mean we're expected to accept any man in a dress and a wig into women only spaces and pretend he's actually a woman.

If it just becomes a case of "wear what you want, but you can't change sex", that actually seems like a step forward.

TheABC · 20/10/2024 02:59

This also comes into conflict with the Cass Report and the ban on puberty blockers. So let's say this law does go through and therapists are forced to positively affirm everything. What then?
A change of clothes and hairstyle and it's done?

TempestTost · 20/10/2024 02:05

I guess one hopes this might move him. But if he isn't aware of these problems by now he is deliberately not paying attention so I don't see why that would change.