The following article was written by Norman Lamb MP and published yesterday on the Liberal Democrat Voice Website.

It may seem hard to imagine, but until 1992 the World Health Organisation classified homosexuality as a form of mental illness. Academic studies have shown an extraordinary prevalence, not too long ago, of therapists seeking to ‘convert’ gay people to become heterosexual – treating people’s sexuality as an illness rather than an inherent part of who they are.

In recent decades, society and the medical professions have fortunately come a long way. Most people now recognise that this as dangerous nonsense.

But there remain a few counsellors who still believe in the “treatment” of homosexuality to combat same-sex attractions. I said nearly a year ago now that, although there was no evidence to suggest that such practices were taking place in the NHS, I wanted to do all that I could to put an end to them once and for all.

As Liberal Democrats it is incredibly important that we work to create a society which is not only more tolerant and open, but also one in which people are able to access support which helps rather than harms them when they are struggling with issues like their sexual orientation.

Earlier this month I was delighted to be able to help bring together leading organisations across the NHS, medical and psychological professions, to sign up to a new Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK, making clear that it would be unacceptable for Conversion Therapy to be provided in the NHS.

Professional therapy bodies have strongly welcomed the announcement: Janet Weisz, Chair of the UK Council for Psychotherapy said that it was ‘great to see so many parts of the psychological and medical profession uniting on this key diversity and equality issue.’

The memorandum makes clear that conversion therapy is unethical, and potentially harmful to those receiving it. Crucially, the memorandum also commits organisations to taking steps to improve the availability of effective support for those struggling with issues related to their sexuality – helping people to accept their sexual orientation and reduce distress.

Those organisations signing up to the Memorandum with responsibility for psychological training have undertaken to make sure that training includes preparation for therapists to have the cultural competence and understanding to work effectively with LGB clients.

This is an important step forwards – and as Liberal Democrats we can be proud that we are working to tackle Conversion Therapy in the UK.

Norman Lamb MP is Liberal Democrat Minister of State at the Department of Health