Hundreds rally in Downing Street for full ban on conversion therapy

Hundreds of people gathered outside Downing Street on Sunday for the protest

Hundreds of people gathered outside Downing Street to protest against the exclusion of transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy.

The protesters shouted "keep trans in the ban" and "LGB with the T".

According to NHS England, conversion therapy aims to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

The government first said it would ban the therapy for everyone then it made a u-turn. It has since said it would look into a full ban, following criticism.

Protesters shouted phrases such as "keep trans in the ban" and "LGB with the T"

Many protesters outside Downing Street earlier waved the pink, white and blue transgender pride flag while others held signs saying "Pride is a protest" and "Queerness doesn't need a cure".

LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell told the crowd "the only ban worth having is one that includes everyone".

• What is conversion therapy and will it be banned?

• Conversion therapy ban will not cover trans people

Standing outside Downing Street, Mr Tatchell said: "We were promised a total ban.

"Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given us a half-baked ban, which we will never, ever accept.

"The only ban worth having is a ban for everyone, including trans people."

Mr Tatchell said the protest gathering had sent a signal to the prime minister and to the people of the UK.

"It sends a signal that trans people and their allies will never give up the fight, until LGB is with the T", he said.

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