The UK Government has taken a significant step towards protecting LGBTQ+ individuals by publishing draft legislation to ban conversion practices in England and Wales. This move comes after years of campaigning by activists and organizations, including the Ban Conversion Practices group co-founded by Matthew Hyndman a star from The Traitors.
Conversion practices, often referred to as conversion therapy are abusive methods aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The proposed bill seeks to criminalize these practices, sending a clear message that such actions are harmful and unacceptable.
Matthew Hyndman’s Personal Journey and Advocacy
Matthew Hyndman, now 35, experienced the traumatic effects of conversion practices firsthand. In 2015, at the age of 24, he was subjected to these practices after private online conversations about his sexuality were accidentally shared with his religious community in Northern Ireland. The incident involved around 100 members of his congregation, including family and friends, and led to intense pressure for him to undergo conversion practices in front of 400 fellow missionaries.
Hyndman refused to comply, a decision that cost him many friendships and his vocation as a missionary. This experience drove him to co-found the Ban Conversion Practices group with his close friend Harry Hitchens. The campaign has since gained support from prominent organizations like Stonewall, advocating for a comprehensive ban on these harmful practices.
The Proposed Legislation and Its Implications
On 25 June 2026, the UK Government published the draft Conversion Practices Bill, which aims to make it illegal to attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill includes provisions to criminalize carrying out abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm, alarm, or distress, as well as encouraging or assisting such practices performed outside England and Wales. Those found guilty could face up to five years in prison.
Minister for Equalities Olivia Bailey emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating that conversion practices are driven by the false belief that being LGBTQ+ is shameful and can be forcibly changed. The bill aims to fill legal loopholes that have left LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to these harmful acts.
Support from LGBTQ+ Rights Groups
LGBTQ+ rights groups, including Stonewall, have expressed strong support for the draft bill. Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, described the legislation as a historic and long-overdue step towards LGBTQ+ equality. He highlighted that conversion practices have caused lasting harm and suffering to many individuals and that no one should be told they need to change who they are.
Activist Jayne Ozanne, who has campaigned for a ban on conversion practices for many years, welcomed the draft bill but noted concerns about the details. She emphasized the need for the ban to cover practices like praying the gay away and the complex issue of consent.
The Road Ahead
The draft bill is currently at the pre-legislative scrutiny stage and will face further examination before it can become law. This process involves thorough review and debate in Parliament, ensuring that the legislation is robust and effective in protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
Hyndman welcomed the government’s proposal, stating that it sends a clear signal to those experiencing or who have experienced conversion practices that these actions are wrong and should not happen. He emphasized that LGBTQ+ individuals are not broken and do not need to be cured.
The journey towards banning conversion practices has been long and challenging, with promises made by successive governments over the years. The draft bill represents a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and a step towards a more inclusive and safer future for all.
