GREEN councillors have called on candidates in the race to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister to take action to ban trans conversion therapy.

Although plans to ban the practice for sexual orientation have been outlined by the government, proposals did not extend to banning transgender conversion therapy, claiming there were worries it could have “unintended consequences”.

Conversion therapy tries to "cure" someone's sexual orientation or gender identity. It can include counselling and prayer, but in extreme cases can involve physical violence and exorcism.

Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Phelim Mac Cafferty criticised the government for “breaking its promise on banning conversion therapy for everyone”.

He said: “The Conservative Party seems determined to stoke discrimination and hatred and we must find effective ways to continue to show our solidarity with the trans community to overcome this bigotry.

“We are also reminded that members of our community still do not even have that most basic of rights - control over our own bodies.

“We are clear that we will keep pushing for a complete ban on conversion therapy for our trans community too. Our commitment to the trans community is clear; whatever “single-sex guidance” the Equality and Human Rights Commission has published, this will not change our clear and firm commitment to inclusive services across the city.”

Councillors from the Green group took part in a parade during Trans Pride in Brighton last weekend, the largest protest for trans liberation in Europe.

Cllr Steph Powell, the council’s lead member for equalities, said: “We’ve been fighting against discrimination through education and working with the NHS to review trans healthcare and improve access.

“But there’s still more to do. Our trans and non-binary siblings need all our help to further reduce discrimination, eradicate violence and enshrine their rights in law.”

Earlier this year, the NHS confirmed it will open a gender identity clinic in Sussex to help people looking to transition.

The clinic will improve access for transgender residents, as the closest clinic in London has wait times of around five years for over 10,000 referrals.

No fixed date has been announced for the launch of the clinic, but it is expected to be by the end of the year.