Lush campaign to ban conversion therapy asks shoppers to send Valentine’s cards to MPs
The retailer has launched the project in partnership with Galop, one of the UK’s leading LGBT+ anti-abuse charities.
Lush wants the UK government to ban concersion therapy / Lush
Cosmetics giant Lush is urging to end the abusive practice of ‘conversion therapy’ and bring legislation before parliament to help protect people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Beginning today until February 16, Lush stores in the UK will feature window displays that show a QR code that passersby can scan and send an e-card to their local MP asking them to ‘have a heart’.
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Alongside the out-of-home activation, Lush is inviting people to sign a huge Valentine’s Day card in stores which will then be sent to MPs after the campaign ends.
“This campaign truly comes from the heart of Lush. With many of our staff identifying as LGBTQ+, bringing an end to so-called ‘conversion therapy’ is a cause we are passionate about,” said Jonnie Hatfield, Lush PR and LGBTQ+ community network member.
“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.”
Conversion practices are the act of trying to suppress someone's sexual orientation or gender identity and can be committed. Shockingly, Galop and market research organization YouGov found that almost one in five LGBTQ+ people in the UK have been subjected to conversion practices.
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“Five years ago, the UK Government promised to ban conversion practices. With each day that passes, more of our community are being left at risk. We know that one in five LGBT+ people in the UK experiences someone trying to change, ‘cure’, or suppress their identity, so we need the whole community to be protected from this abuse,” added Leni Morris, chief executive officer at Galop.
“Galop has been working with victims and survivors of conversion practices for many years, and we know the effects of this abuse can be lifelong. It’s time that all LGBT+ people are protected, with no one left behind.
“Galop’s National Conversion Therapy Helpline is available for anyone personally affected by conversion practices, as well as anyone worried about someone in their life.”