A group of Welsh Bishops have backed a proposed ban on gay conversion therapy
The Bench of Bishops in the Church in Wales said trying to “force people to try and change their sexuality” is “both abusive and traumatising”.
It put a statement in response to the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that the UK Government is planning to make the practice illegal.
It has also urged the Senedd to “bring in robust legislation” to ban it in in “all its forms”.
The statement says: “The Bench of Bishops in the Church in Wales welcomes the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that the UK Government will ban gay conversion therapy.
“We believe that human sexuality is a gift of God to be cherished and honoured. It is an intrinsic part of who we are as human beings and an expression of God’s glorious diversity in creation.
“Anything which seeks to suggest that there is something inherently wrong or sinful in those who are non-heterosexual or which seeks to force people to try and change their sexuality is, we believe, wrong. It is both abusive and traumatising; as those who have experienced such ‘therapy’ can testify.
“We join our voices with The Royal College of Psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals in asserting that the practice of gay conversion therapy inflicts life-long damage on those who are forced to undergo it and has no place in the modern world.
“We understand that the Senedd will also consider this matter, and urge the Senedd to bring in robust legislation that will ban conversion therapy in all its forms thereby offering protection to LGBTQI+ people in Wales from this abusive and damaging practice.”
