Lush teams up with Galop on call for MPs to ban ‘conversion therapy’
Lush has teamed up with the Galop LGBT+ anti-abuse charity on a campaign that calls for the government to introduce legislation to fully protect LGBT+ people from so-called ‘conversion therapy’.
As part of the campaign across the Valentine’s Day period, Lush stores will feature windows highlighting the need to protect people from the practice which attempts to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Customers can scan a QR code to send a Valentine’s e-card to their MP to “have a heart” and ban the practice. They will also be invited to sign a large Valentine’s Day card in-store which will then be sent to MPs after the campaign.
A report by Galop, with research undertaken by YouGov, has found nearly one in five LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to someone trying to change, ‘cure’ or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Jonnie Hatfield, Lush PR and LGBTQIA+ community network member, said: “This campaign truly comes from the heart of Lush. With many of our staff identifying as LGBT+*, bringing an end to so-called ‘conversion therapy’ is a cause we are passionate about.
“Working with the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop gave us the perfect opportunity to bring this issue to the public’s attention and call on the government to have a heart and enact vital legislation to protect LGBT+ people across the UK from abuse.”
Lush will also be releasing a limited edition heart-shaped ‘washcard’ priced at £3 to raise money to support Galop’s helpline for people who have experienced the practice.
Leni Morris, Galop chief executive, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Lush and to everyone supporting this campaign to finally get so-called ‘conversion therapy’ banned in this country.”
