UK govt outlines new initiative for LGBT communities

The survey also found that LGBT people experience prejudice daily, with more than two in three saying they avoid holding hands with a same-sex partner in public for fear of a negative reaction. (Photo: Pixabay)

LONDON – The British government says it will ban gay conversion therapy as part of 4.5-million-pound ($5.9 million) effort to make society more inclusive for LGBT people.

The initiative comes after the government released the results of a survey of 108,000 LGBT people, which found that 5 per cent had been offered conversion therapies. The government says it will “eradicate the abhorrent practice.

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The survey also found that LGBT people experience prejudice daily, with more than two in three saying they avoid holding hands with a same-sex partner in public for fear of a negative reaction.

Prime Minister Theresa May says, “no one should ever have to hide who they are or who they love.”

The government’s 75-point plan includes appointment of a national LGBT health adviser to improve care for the community.