Scottish parents face jail if they stop children changing gender.

The Scottish National Party has proposed a new law to ban “conversion therapy,” which could lead to parents who refuse to allow their children to change gender facing up to seven years in prison. The proposed law aims to make actions that seek to change or suppress someone’s gender identity, causing physical or psychological harm, illegal. This could extend to situations where parents prevent their child from dressing according to their sexual orientation or gender identity, even if they believe it’s in the child’s best interest. Additionally, the law might involve civil orders against parents or religious leaders, even if conversion practices have not yet occurred. Critics argue that these proposals could have a detrimental impact on freedom of speech, privacy, and family life in Scotland, with religious campaigners planning to challenge the ban in court.