All Student Vote (Spring 2025)

Warwick SU supports a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy

This is motion is for the SU to work with other SUs in favour of a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy. 

This Union Notes: 

1. Conversion therapy comprises practices aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and is widely condemned for its harm, relying on discredited methods that cause emotional trauma and mental health issues. (1) 

2. Conversion therapy is a cruel and abusive practice, which enforces societal norms of gender and sexual orientation. 

3. It is currently not banned in the UK, with 7% of LGBTQ+ people experiencing it, rising to 13% of trans people. (1) 

4. The current government has backtracked and delayed plans to ban this practice, despite an initial announcement to ban it in July 2018 (2). 

5. That NUS currently has no campaign to make sure a ban is implemented despite the fact that, as a representative body of students, many of whom are LGBTQ+, it should. 

6. Many university students, queer or otherwise, aren’t aware that conversion therapy is already not a banned practice, and there should be more awareness of this issue. 

7. Avery Greatorex, the Trans Students Representative for UCLan SU, has started a national campaign to unite students to push for a ban. (3) 

8. I was contacted regarding the student campaign on this issue past the initial motion deadline date, hence its inclusion as an emergency motion. 

This Union Believes: 

1. Supporting student action toward a national ban is critical for Warwick SU because it demonstrates the Union’s solidarity beyond campus borders and further mounts pressure on government and other bodies to be in favour of a ban 

2. It also shows solidarity with all queer students, many of whom may have experienced pressure to repress their gender or sexual identity, and ensures that we are dedicated to protecting their right to express their identities. 

3. A national ban on conversion therapy, inclusive of gender identity conversion therapy and without any exceptions for faith groups and “voluntary” therapy would be a big step for LGBTQ+ welfare and wellbeing in the UK, as well as sending a broader message of hope. 

4. That by starting a mass, coordinated campaign of SUs and the NUS, pressure can be put on the government to commit to a comprehensive ban. 

This Union Resolves: 

1. For Warwick SU to work with other SUs, including UCLan SU, on the campaign in favour of a ban. 

2. For Warwick SU to offer material support to the Trans Students Officer and the LGBTQUA+ Students Officer to work on this campaign. 

3. For Warwick SU to publicise and circulate the petition to ban conversion therapy in the UK, and ensure that students are made aware that the practice is not banned, and that they can work to ensure that it is. 

4. If Warwick SU rejoins the NUS before such a ban is implemented, to mandate NUS delegates work towards and vote for the NUS to take this campaign on nationally, and at a minimum make a statement on the issue. 

5. To make connections with trusted mental health service providers to ensure that the SU is equipped to help assist any survivors of conversion therapy who currently attend Warwick or may do in the future. 

6. If such a ban is not included in the 2023 King’s Speech, for Warwick SU to issue a statement and call to action in favour of a ban and expressing disappointment in further delay. 

7. This could include resources on how to contact your MP, supporting LGBTQ+ charities, and signing a petition. 

Sources 

1 - https://www.stonewall.org.uk/everything-you-need-know-about-conversion-therapy  

2- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/government-bill-ben-bradshaw-kemi-badenoch-office-for-national-statistics-b2435750.html  

3 - https://averygreatorex.co.uk/2023/10/04/banning-trans-conversion-therapy-in-the-uk-a-call-to-action-for-unitherapy-students/