July 12, 2020 | Online

No pro "gay conversion" posts on Facebook and Insta

Instagram and Facebook have announced that they will no longer allow users to promote LGBT+ "conversion therapy" on their platforms. This is in addition to an earlier ban on ads pushing LGBT "cures."

"We don’t allow attacks against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity and are updating our policies to ban the promotion of conversion therapy services," explained Tara Hopkins, a public policy director at Instagram. "We are always reviewing our policies and will continue to consult with experts and people with personal experiences to inform our approach.

"We have removed violating content from @coreissuestrusttv. We are always reviewing our policies and will continue to consult with experts and people with personal experiences to inform our approach."

Of course, Facebook already has rules against homophobic posts, but is often lax in removing them even after they are reported and flagged. Instagram has an equally spotty record at responding to user complaints over content that violates its Terms of Use.

In related news, several British artists are calling on the UK government to follow through on its promise to ban "conversion therapy" in the country.

Elton John, Olly Alexander, Stephen Fry and Dua Lipa are among the artists to sign an open letter.

“Any form of counselling or persuading someone to change their sexual orientation or behaviour so as to conform with a heteronormative lifestyle, or their gender identity should be illegal, no matter the reason, religious or otherwise – whatever the person’s age,” the letter read.

The practice is abusive and really does need to stop.