Pre-legislative scrutiny and delay for the Government's proposed conversion therapy legislation

That this House notes Government plans to legislate to ban conversion therapy; further notes that any legislation will cover sexual orientation and gender identity but that no definition of conversion therapy has been agreed and that there is already primary legislation which prohibits coercive conversion practices; is concerned that rushed or badly drafted legislation could criminalise private consensual conversations regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, the work of faith communities and counsellors, providers of children's services and others and prevent open and explorative discussions on sexual identity and gender; notes a lack of clarity on what gender identity is and the risk of criminal sanction for people seeking to use legitimate therapies to help children and young people with gender dysphoria as an alternative to pharmaceutical and surgical interventions; further notes that the EHRC highlighted that the proposals demonstrate a lack of clear definitions, have wide ranging implications and potential unintended consequences for new legislation, fail to recognise complexities including new gender dysphoria research, and the need to wait for the findings of the Cass Review of gender identity services for children and young people, due in the summer; notes that there is a lack of evidence to show that new legislation is needed and the possibility that such legislation will breach Articles 8 and 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights; and urges the Government to delay any new legislation until at least publication of the Cass Report and to commit to pre-legislative scrutiny of any new Bill.