The government, which describes itself as “a global leader on LGBT rights,” has held a public consultation on the issue. The Muslim leaders say they are concerned that the government has not consulted faith leaders sufficiently over the proposed ban. Muslim leaders want to ensure that any future plans to ban conversion therapy do not curtail rights as a religious community to provide counsel to people struggling with same-sex attraction, and to ensure Muslims can access counselling which does not just affirm the LGBT identity.Īt the moment Muslim leaders are worried that if a Muslim child approached am imam to seek counsel about their same-sex feelings, the imam may be forced to either break the law or not provide support for fear of being criminalised. Over 250 British imams and Muslim leaders have urged the government to clarify that any ban on LGBT conversation therapy would not criminalise Muslims who may discourage people from pursuing homosexual lifestyles.
