Ending conversion practices in Scotland - consultation analysis: SG response
Scottish Government response to the consultation analysis on ending conversion practices Scotland. This responds to some of the issues raised in responses to the consultation and what we are doing now.
Non-legislative measures
89. As the consultation document was focussed on proposals for legislation to end conversion practices in Scotland, we did not ask any questions about non-legislative measures. However, throughout consultation responses many respondents pointed to providing support to victims and prevention, as being equally as important as introducing legislation to criminalise offenders.
90. These respondents often noted that awareness-raising and education was key to inform and rehabilitate those who may be conducting and facilitating conversion practices, and to dissuade people from ever engaging in this behaviour in the first place.
91. Key respondent suggestions included:
- community education about conversion practices and the harm they cause
- awareness-raising work including specialised training for individuals such as teachers, school chaplains, doctors, psychologists and counsellors, as well as professionals working in youth and mental health services
92. We acknowledge that legislation alone will not be sufficient to end conversion practices in Scotland and that we must work with service-providers at a grass-roots level to understand this complex issue. To this end, officials will continue their work with internal and external stakeholders in areas such as mental health, education and community cohesion, amongst others.