Labour has promised to introduce a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy, despite fears it could stop children questioning their gender from getting help.
Starmer's party, which unveiled its manifesto today, promised to introduce a "fully trans-inclusive ban" - which would come into force should they win the election.
The Conservatives rejected a conversion therapy ban earlier this year. Some argued that the law was unecessary as coercion is already illegal.
Conversion therapy is the practice of trying to change a person’s sexuality or preferred gender.
Conversion therapy is the practice of trying to change a person’s sexuality or preferred gender.
PA
The Labour manifesto, presented in Manchester today, described legsialtion around conversion practices as a "very complex issue".
The document says: "So-called conversion therapy is abuse - there is no other word for it - so Labour will finally deliver a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, while protecting the freedom for people to explore their sexual orientation and gender identity."
But Helen Joyce of Sex Matter said there is "growing evidence” that the ban would be "harmful".
Speaking after the Conservatives opted out of pursuing the ban, she said: "The Conservatives’ decision not to pursue a ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ reflects growing evidence that such measures are unnecessary and even harmful,” she said.
"Abuse perpetrated under the guise of healthcare or therapy is already illegal."
Joyce added: “It is by now well established that most children feeling gender distress or convinced of an opposite-sex identity will grow out of this during puberty.
“It is hard to see how a conversion therapy ban could be framed so as to avoid outlawing the supportive, open-ended approach recommended in the recent Cass Review.”
Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, added: "Legislating in this area is plagued with problems and the Government’s own research has always suggested that it is not necessary.
"Any ban will end up criminalising consensual conversations with those who genuinely want help and support.
“Human rights will be breached and any legislation will be the subject of extensive legal challenge.”
But Leni Morris, CEO of LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop, said: “Being LGBT+ is not a disease, and therefore there is no cure.
“What so-called 'conversion therapies' do achieve is serious psychologic and emotional, and sometimes physical, trauma to the victims and, for many victims, the repercussions are life-long.
“The conversion therapy ban is a step forward for our community, but we know that the spotlight it gives to these practices may cause pain and trauma to those who are experiencing these abuses right now, or have been through them in the past.
“We’re launching our National Conversion Therapy Helpline to support the community and ensure that there is a safety net for victims as this national conversation continues.”
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