Core Issues Trust

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Core Issues Trust: a simple overview

What it is
- A British Christian group that promotes conversion therapy for LGBT people, including minors.
- It claims sexuality is a choice and can change, arguing that homosexuality is not natural and can be cured.

Leader and background
- Led by Dr. Mike Davidson, who calls himself ex-gay.
- He has a doctorate in education (not medicine or psychology) and has faced professional discipline in the past.

Key actions and controversies
- 2011 Belfast event: A church gathering on how to help people “overcome” homosexuality; drew protests.
- 2012 London ads: Campaigns on buses said “Not gay! Ex-gay, post-gay and proud. Get over it!” The adverts were banned by Mayor Boris Johnson for harmful messaging; the Trust lost appeals in court.
- 2018 documentary: Voices of the Silenced, about conversion therapy experiences; criticized by LGBT groups and humanists for promoting harmful views.
- 2019 film: Once Gay: Matthew and Friends about a public renunciation of homosexuality; sparked protests and was not screened by Queen’s University Belfast due to inclusion concerns.

Public policy and charity status
- 2020: The National Secular Society urged the Northern Ireland government to review the charity status of Core Issues Trust, calling conversion therapies harmful and discredited.

What critics say
- Many feminists and gender theorists argue the group’s motto and ideas rely on outdated gender stereotypes and ignore the rights and diversity of LGBTQ people.

Bottom line
- Core Issues Trust is controversial and is opposed by major medical, psychological, and human rights groups who say conversion therapy is harmful and not evidence-based.