UK government planning to ban gay conversion therapies

The announcement has been made following a survey of LGBT people that found 2% of the respondents had undergone the therapy.

Another 5% have been offered to do the conversion therapy.

The respondents said they fear holding hands with the same-sex person in public.

In a statement which has been quoted by CNN, British Prime Minister Theresa May said she had been "struck by just how many respondents said they cannot be open about their sexual orientation or avoid holding hands with their partner in public for fear of a negative reaction."

She said: "No one should ever have to hide who they are or who they love."

"This LGBT action plan will set out concrete steps to deliver real and lasting change across society, from health and education to tackling discrimination and addressing the burning injustices that LGBT people face."

The government's announcement has coincided with the Pride Month in London.

London will also host the annual gay parade on Saturday.

Ruth Hunt, chief executive of the British LGBT rights group Stonewall, said in a statement, "Some people will be shocked by the findings. But for anyone who is LGBT, or has a family member or friend who is, these results will be sadly recognizable."

"Laws have improved and attitudes have changed but our society still treats LGBT people like second-class citizens."

According to the government survey, 40% of the respondents had experienced hate incidents.