Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, and Elton John are among the celebrities who have signed an open letter to the UK government calling for a ban on “conversion therapy”. The letter was written by London-based advocacy group Ban Conversion Therapy and addressed to the Minister for Women And Equalities, urging her to “introduce a truly effective ban on ‘conversion therapy’” in the UK.
“The government has said recently that conversion therapy is complex, which it undoubtedly is, and although we acknowledge the issue is nuanced we strongly believe that effective legislation, supported by a programme of work to help tackle these practices in all their forms, is possible,” the letter read.
It continued: “Any form of counselling or persuading someone to change their sexual orientation or behaviour so as to conform with a heteronormative lifestyle, or their gender identity should be illegal, no matter the reason, religious or otherwise – whatever the person’s age.”
“Let’s end it now. Let’s finish what was pledged two years ago and ban ‘conversion therapy’ for all lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and gender diverse people, of all ages. Until you do, torture will continue to take place on British soil.”
In addition to Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, and Elton John, other signees included Rina Sawayama, Clairo, Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix, Sam Fender, Years & Years’ Olly Alexander, Katherine Ryan, Stephen Fry, Russell T. Davies, and more.
Read the full letter below.
