Equalities minister says Badenoch lacks interest in LGBT+ support after Tory retreat on conversion‑therapy ban

Bridget Phillipson, the UK equalities minister, told The Guardian that Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch "has no interest in supporting LGBT+ people" or promoting tolerance. Phillipson made the remarks after the Conservative Party withdrew its backing for a proposed law that would ban "conversion therapy" – practices aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

She added that the Tories are "chasing Reform into the gutter" as they abandon the legislation. The planned ban was intended to target abusive practices that seek to alter an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The withdrawal marks a shift in the party's stance on protecting LGBT+ people from such treatments.

Phillipson's comments highlight a growing divide within the government over LGBT+ rights and the future of the conversion‑therapy ban.

Why it matters

The dispute signals internal conflict over LGBT+ protections and could affect the likelihood of a ban on conversion therapy in the UK.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

11 Nov 2026, 22:56 IST

Key names

Bridget Phillipson, Kemi Badenoch, LGBT, Tories

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianBridget Phillipson: Kemi Badenoch has ‘no interest in supporting LGBT+ people’ 11 Nov, 22:56

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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