Plans to ban conversion therapy delayed amid growing unease from parents, teachers and church

 

© Mark Kerrison /In Pictures The Government's plans to ban conversion therapy have been pushed back amid growing disquiet - Mark Kerrison /In Pictures

Amid growing disquiet about the impact of a ban, the Government has announced an extension to their consultation on the ban so that “the widest possible views are taken into account”.

The Telegraph understands that officials were “shocked” by the responses to the consultation and had not anticipated how “sensitive and complex” the issues were, particularly around gender identity.

There has also been growing backlash among MPs and peers, who feared that it could lead to prosecution for anyone supporting children who believe they are transgender.

It has been warned that a ban could force professionals and clinicians to take an “affirmative” approach to those questioning their gender identity and lead to an increase in the number undergoing irreversible medical treatment.

The announcement comes after Nikki da Costa, a former head of legislative affairs at No 10, warned in this newspaper that the Government “must slow down” because the changes could have “damaging consequences for children”.

Government 'determined' to stamp out conversion therapy

Announcing the eight-week extension to the consultation, Liz Truss, Minister for Women and Equalities, said that the Government remains “absolutely determined to stamp out conversion therapy, and want to hear all views on the best ways to do that”

She added: “We are absolutely committed to a ban which will make sure LGBT people can live their lives free from the threat of harm or abuse, whilst protecting free speech as well as protecting under-18s from being channeled into a irreversible decisions about their future”

The extension more than doubles the original six-week consultation period.