The UK government has published a draft bill to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices in England and Wales, a significant step toward ending what it describes as abusive and harmful acts. Conversion practices, often called conversion therapy, are discredited methods aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, ranging from prayer to exorcism or physical violence.
Details of the draft bill
The draft bill makes it a criminal offence to carry out abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm, alarm, or distress to the victim. It also introduces an offence of encouraging or assisting such practices performed outside England and Wales. Those found guilty could face imprisonment for up to five years, an unlimited fine, or both.
The legislation is designed to close loopholes in existing laws covering domestic violence, coercive control, and communications offences. Equalities Minister Olivia Bailey 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.”
Long-awaited move
The ban was first proposed under Theresa May's Conservative government but was repeatedly delayed and eventually dropped from the King's Speech under Rishi Sunak. Labour's 2024 manifesto pledged a full trans-inclusive ban while protecting the freedom to explore sexual orientation and gender identity. Saba Ali, Chair of the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition, called the move a “significant and welcome step forward” but also “long overdue.”
She said: “This moment belongs to a movement. Over eighty coalition organisations, countless survivors, clinicians, faith leaders, Parliamentarians and campaigners have refused to let this be forgotten. Today proves what we achieve when we stand together.”
Next steps and exemptions
The publication of a draft bill allows for wider consultation before it formally enters the parliamentary process. The government said this was necessary because it is a “complex legal area” and it hopes to “build a genuine consensus around a ban.” Labour MP Kate Osborne said she believed ministers had “every intention of pushing this through as soon as possible.”
The draft ban includes exemptions for legitimate healthcare and allows for free and open conversations about sexuality and transgender identity. It sets a “high bar for criminality,” covering only acts that are abusive, seek to change someone’s identity, and create real harm. The government said this ensures it will not become illegal to question someone’s identity or have explorative conversations.
