Accusations of unfairness surround trans athletes such as the swimming champion Lia Thomas, far right, in womens sport

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The governments dithering over whether to ban conversion therapy has left policy on this sensitive issue in utter confusion. A double U-turn saw the prime minister at first cast aside a pledge that he would outlaw attempts to change peoples sexual orientation, before reinstating the commitment with measures to ensure it would not affect counselling offered to those suffering from body dysmorphia who want to transition to the opposite sex.

Lobby groups on all sides shrilly condemn discrimination. Mr Johnson had previously described all conversion therapy as abhorrent. However, feminists fear that womens rights are now in jeopardy. And the general public is bemused by arguments that seem as obscure as they are virulent. It is time common sense was brought to the trans debate.

Read more:
The Times view on the trans debate: Back to Basics - The Times

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