A memorandum of understanding (MoU) against conversion therapy has been launched today, which makes it clear that conversion therapy in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation (including asexuality) is unethical, potentially harmful and is not supported by evidence.

Conversion therapy is the term for therapy that assumes certain sexual orientations or gender identities are inferior to others, and seeks to change or suppress them on that basis.

The primary purpose of the MoU is the protection of the public through a commitment to ending the practice of ‘conversion therapy’ in the UK. The MoU updates one released in 2015 at the Department of Health, which focused exclusively on sexual orientation, and is endorsed by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charity Stonewall.

The MoU also intends to ensure that:

the public are well informed about the risks of conversion therapy

healthcare professionals and psychological therapists are aware of the ethical issues relating to conversion therapy

new and existing psychological therapists are appropriately trained

evidence into conversion therapy is kept under regular review

professionals from across the health, care and psychological professions work together to achieve the above goals.

Sexual orientations and gender identities are not mental health disorders, although exclusion, stigma and prejudice may precipitate mental health issues for any person subjected to these abuses. Anyone accessing therapeutic help should be able to do so without fear of judgement or the threat of being pressured to change a fundamental aspect of who they are.

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Notes for editors

The Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion therapy is signed by:

Association of Christian Counsellors

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)

British Psychological Society (BPS)

College of Sex and Relationship Therapists (COSRT)

GLADD (The Association of LGBT Doctors and Dentists)

National Counselling Society

NHS England

NHS Scotland

Pink Therapy

Royal College of General Practitioners

UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

It is also supported by Stonewall.