The UK Government has taken a significant step forward in protecting LGBT+ individuals by publishing a draft bill aimed at banning so-called conversion practices. This landmark legislation, announced on a recent Thursday, seeks to address the harmful and abusive acts directed at changing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Among the bill’s supporters is Matthew “Matty” Hyndman, a contestant from the 2026 series of The Traitors on the BBC. Hyndman, who hails from Northern Ireland, has openly discussed his struggles with his sexuality and his experiences with conversion therapy. His personal journey has made him a vocal advocate for the ban.
Hyndman’s Personal Journey and Advocacy
Hyndman’s story is one of struggle and resilience. Growing up in an evangelical Christian environment, he felt deep shame and embarrassment about his sexuality. “I was so embarrassed that I was gay,” he confessed. “I was so deeply embarrassed and ashamed, and I didn’t tell a soul.” This internal conflict led him to embark on a journey as an evangelical Christian missionary, sailing on a ship around the world while grappling with his identity.
When his sexuality became known, Hyndman faced a stark ultimatum: publicly repent and undergo counseling or leave the community. Choosing to walk away was a monumental decision that came with significant personal costs. “The risk was that I would lose everyone I know and love,” he recalled. “My vocation, my community, everything was so intertwined.” Despite the risks, Hyndman found the courage to reject the beliefs of his community and embrace his true self.
Hyndman considers himself “one of the lucky ones” because he was able to walk away. He believes that a ban on conversion practices will send a clear signal to LGBT+ individuals that they are not broken and do not need to be cured. “You’re not broken, you don’t need to be cured,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of the legislation in protecting vulnerable individuals.
The Draft Conversion Practices Bill: What It Entails
The draft Conversion Practices Bill covers England and Wales and is a fulfillment of a Labour manifesto commitment from 2026. The bill defines conversion practices as conduct that aims to change someone’s sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts that seriously harm the victim. The proposed ban includes heavy penalties for those carrying out these practices, including an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.
The legislation also creates new civil Conversion Practice Protection Orders to support victims and those at risk of abuse. These orders are similar to those for forced marriage and female genital mutilation, providing pre-emptive protection for individuals. The bill includes safeguards for legitimate healthcare and therapy, ensuring that healthcare professionals can continue their work without fear of litigation.
The government has emphasized that the ban is not intended to criminalize expressing beliefs about LGBT+ identities or to prevent open conversations about sexuality and gender identity. The high threshold for criminality ensures that only abusive acts intended to change someone’s identity and cause real harm will be prosecuted.
Support from Key Figures and Organizations
The draft bill has garnered support from various key figures and organizations. Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Equalities, stated, “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.” Dr. Hilary Cass, author of the Cass Review, praised the bill for providing a clearer definition of conversion practices and ensuring that healthcare professionals can continue their work without fear of litigation.
Jasmine O’Connor OBE, Co-CEO at Galop, highlighted the devastating impacts of conversion practices and welcomed the long-overdue legislation. Simon Blake, CEO at Stonewall, emphasized that LGBTQ+ people are not broken or in need of fixing, praising the government for taking this crucial step. Saba Ali, Chair at the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, celebrated the announcement as a significant and welcome step forward, acknowledging the hard work of campaigners and survivors.
The draft legislation aligns with international best practices by being trans-inclusive and protecting individuals from harm. It mirrors parts of New Zealand’s approach while being tailored to the UK legal framework. The government has recognized the complexity of the issue and is seeking to build a genuine consensus around the ban. The draft bill will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny to ensure its effectiveness in the long term.
This momentous step by the UK Government is part of a broader effort to tackle abuse against the LGBT+ community. It follows legislation passed in spring that equalized hate crime protections for LGBT+ people. The government has also taken further action to fulfill its commitments to the LGBT+ community, including righting historic wrongs committed against LGBT veterans, publishing a HIV Action Plan to end new transmissions by 2030, and investing £21 million in global LGBT+ rights.
