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# Welsh Government's LGBTQ+ equality commitments welcomed but concerns raised over trans healthcare
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/welsh-governments-lgbtq-equality-commitments-welcomed-but-concerns-raised-over-trans-healthcare/
- Published: 2026-09-23T12:17:24.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-23T12:17:24.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: News

LGBTQ+ rights charity **Stonewall** has welcomed the **Welsh Government**'s renewed commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality, while urging ministers to strengthen protections and improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ people across Wales.

Responding to the Welsh Government's new Programme for Government, Stonewall said the need for clear leadership on equality issues had become increasingly urgent amid what it described as growing challenges to LGBTQ+ rights around the world.

In a statement, the charity said: "Around the world we are seeing regressive laws, curtailing freedoms and the rise of populist movements. For many LGBTQ+ people in Wales, there is fear and anxiety about what the future holds. The need for strong, principled leadership on equalities issues has rarely felt more urgent."

Stonewall welcomed the Welsh Government's pledge to advance LGBTQ+ equality and called for a renewed and strengthened LGBTQ+ Action Plan aimed at improving equality outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities across the country.

The charity also praised the Welsh Government's commitment to supporting a fully inclusive UK-wide ban on conversion practices, stressing that the experiences of survivors should play a central role in shaping future legislation.

"We are pleased to hear the Welsh Government's commitment to supporting the UK Government to take forward a fully-inclusive ban on conversion practices," Stonewall said. "It is vital that voices from survivors across Wales are heard throughout the legislative process."

However, the organisation also highlighted concerns about healthcare access for trans people following a recent decision by the **NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee** to pause referrals for gender-affirming surgery from the Welsh Gender Service while an independent clinical review is carried out.

Stonewall said trans people's healthcare should not become a political battleground, arguing that those seeking treatment deserve timely, evidence-based care that supports their wellbeing and safety.

"For too long trans+ people's lives and the services that support them have been used as a political football," the charity said. "Trans+ people deserve access to high quality, evidence-based, and timely healthcare that protects and supports their wellbeing and safety."

The statement concluded by reaffirming Stonewall's commitment to securing equality under the law for all LGBTQ+ people, including trans communities, and pledged to continue working with devolved governments to deliver progress.

The Welsh Government's updated **Programme for Government** comes at a time of heightened debate around LGBTQ+ rights across the UK, with campaigners calling on ministers to ensure equality commitments are backed by concrete action.