Overview

• A bill to ban conversion therapy in the UK, introduced by Liberal Democrat Baroness Burt of Solihull, is being debated in the House of Lords.
• Opponents, including Tory peer Lord Frost, argue the bill threatens free speech and could criminalize parents, teachers, and doctors.
• Supporters claim the bill is necessary to protect LGBT+ individuals from harmful practices and does not aim to criminalize open conversations.
• The government has delayed introducing its own draft bill, citing concerns over unintended consequences.
• The debate highlights a divide over how to balance protecting LGBT+ rights with safeguarding free speech and parental rights.