The UK government has announced a landmark ban on abusive conversion practices, aiming to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from harmful and discredited attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. The proposed legislation, known as the Conversion Practices Bill seeks to close legal loopholes that have left victims vulnerable to abuse.
Conversion practices, often referred to as conversion therapy involve a range of abusive acts, including physical, sexual, economic, and psychological abuse. These practices are based on the false belief that LGBTQ+ identities need correction. The new bill sets a high threshold for criminality, focusing on acts that cause serious harm to victims.
The Scope and Impact of Conversion Practices
Recent research has revealed the alarming prevalence of conversion practices in the UK. A report by the anti-abuse charity Galop found that 195 cases were reported between 2026 and 2026, with 76% of these cases involving family members. The report also highlighted that 81% of the cases involved coercive and controlling practices, such as abuse, threats, forced marriage, or restriction and surveillance.
The proposed legislation aims to address these issues by introducing criminal offenses for carrying out abusive conversion practices, encouraging or assisting such practices, and creating new civil Conversion Practice Protection Orders to support victims and those at risk. Perpetrators found guilty could face up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Legislative Journey and Political Support
The journey to ban conversion practices has been a long one. Former Prime Minister Theresa May first promised a ban in 2018, but the scope was later narrowed under Boris Johnson’s leadership. However, the current government under Rishi Sunak has committed to a trans-inclusive ban, fulfilling a manifesto promise made by the Labour Party.
MP Stephen Morgan a continuous advocate for the ban, welcomed the announcement, stating that the legislation represents a major step forward for the UK’s LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized the importance of closing legal loopholes that have allowed these abusive practices to continue.
Support from Healthcare Professionals and Advocacy Groups
The proposed bill has received support from various healthcare professionals and advocacy groups. Professor Subodh Dave President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, welcomed the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting people from harmful practices while supporting healthcare professionals in having appropriate exploratory conversations with their patients.
Jasmine O’Connor co-chief executive of Galop, also welcomed the legislation, stating that it is a vital first step toward addressing conversion practices as a distinct form of harm. The Church of England, whose General Synod voted in favor of a ban in 2017, also welcomed the bill as a positive step towards stopping practices that have harmed LGBTQ+ people for years.
The proposed legislation is a significant move towards protecting the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK. By criminalizing abusive conversion practices, the government aims to send a clear message that such practices have no place in society.
