London (CNN) The British government is planning to outlaw so-called gay conversion therapy as part of an effort to counter intolerance and discrimination.

The £4.5 million initiative follows a survey of LGBT people that found 2% of the 108,000 respondents had undergone conversion therapy while 5% had been offered it.

The survey also cast a light on the discrimination faced by lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgendered people, with more than two-thirds of participants recording they avoid holding hands with a same-sex partner in public out of fear people will react negatively.

In a statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May said she had been "struck by just how many respondents said they cannot be open about their sexual orientation or avoid holding hands with their partner in public for fear of a negative reaction."

"No one should ever have to hide who they are or who they love," she said. "This LGBT action plan will set out concrete steps to deliver real and lasting change across society, from health and education to tackling discrimination and addressing the burning injustices that LGBT people face."

People take part in the annual Pride in London parade on June 27, 2015.

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