The UK government has published a draft Conversion Practices Bill, creating new criminal offences for carrying out abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm, alarm or distress. The legislation also makes it illegal to encourage or assist such practices outside England and Wales. The move follows years of campaigning from LGBTQ+ groups and charities, who have described the legislation as "long-overdue."
Details of the Proposed Law
Under the proposals, perpetrators could face prosecution for conduct aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts. New civil Conversion Practice Protection Orders would also be introduced to help safeguard those at risk, similar to protection orders for forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Someone found guilty of conducting abusive conversion practices could face an unlimited fine, a custodial sentence of up to five years, or both.
The government said the move is needed because existing laws have failed to tackle the "unique nature" of conversion practices, with victims reporting abuse ranging from threats and manipulation to physical and sexual violence. The legislation includes exemptions for legitimate healthcare, therapeutic support and open conversations, with ministers insisting the legislation is designed to target abuse rather than restrict free speech.
Government and Expert Reactions
Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Equalities, said: “Conversion practices are driven by the false belief that being LGBT+ is shameful and can be forcibly changed. No-one should face abuse just because of who they are. That’s why we are delivering on our manifesto commitment to ban abusive conversion practices. Legal loopholes have left LGBT+ people vulnerable to these harmful acts which is why we must legislate.”
Dr Hilary Cass, Author of the Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People, also known as the Cass Review, welcomed the government bringing forward the legislation. She added: “It is important that healthcare professionals providing much needed holistic care to young people feel confident that they are able to do their job without fear of litigation and the Minister has kept that important issue in mind at the same time as the need to protect vulnerable young people. I look forward to the pre legislative scrutiny process which will facilitate further constructive debate.”
LGBTQ+ Charities and Religious Leaders Respond
Jasmine O'Connor OBE, Co-CEO at Galop, said: "We know all too well how gaps in legislation have left LGBT+ people unprotected against covert and insidious forms of abuse, and we welcome this long-overdue legislation – it’s a vital first step toward addressing conversion practices as a distinct form of harm."
Simon Blake, CEO at Stonewall, said: “People from the LGBTQ+ community are not broken or in need of ‘fixing’. That’s why I’m so pleased the government have published a draft bill to ban conversion practices that attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices are abuse, and every day without a ban in place leaves people at risk of serious harm.”
Saba Ali, Chair at the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, said: “No one should ever be told they can’t be who they are, or love who they love. LGBTQ+ identities are beautiful, diverse, and should be celebrated, and yet attempts to change and suppress them are still happening across the UK, causing profound suffering. Today’s announcement of the publication of draft legislation to ban conversion practices is a significant and welcome step forward, but it is also long overdue. The coalition look forward to continuing to work with government to ensure the legislation delivers the comprehensive protections all LGBTQ+ people deserve.”
The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Lord Bishop of Manchester, also welcomed the publication of the draft bill. He said: "These have harmed LGBT+ people over many years, leaving many with lifelong trauma. This work is long overdue, and comes after the General Synod of the Church of England voted, by a very large majority, in favour of the Government bringing forward a ban in 2017. I am pleased that this will bring an opportunity for consultation and scrutiny, so that substantial progress can at last be made."
Next Steps
The government said its proposed ban aligns with international best practices by being trans-inclusive, protecting individuals from harm, and including a custodial sentence for perpetrators. The draft Bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny to ensure that a ban is as effective as possible in the long term. The move comes after a ban on conversion therapy was included in the King's Speech on July 17, 2024, after years of promises and challenges for campaigners.
The legislation will create the following criminal offences: carrying out abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm, alarm or distress to the victim; and encouraging or assisting an abusive conversion practice performed outside England and Wales. It also creates new civil Conversion Practice Protection Orders and breach offence to support victims as well as those currently at risk of abuse.
