New Legislation Targets Conversion Practices
The United Kingdom government has unveiled plans for a new Conversion Practices Bill, which seeks to outlaw practices aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or transgender identity. Under the proposed legislation, those found guilty of conducting such practices could face imprisonment for up to five years and unlimited fines.
The draft bill, anticipated to be presented to Parliament shortly, 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 Cabinet Office stated that the legislation is designed to safeguard LGBT+ individuals from 'physical and psychological abuse to change who they are.'
Key Aspects of the Proposed Bill
- New Criminal Offenses: The bill would establish two new criminal offenses: one for carrying out conversion practices that 'cause serious harm, alarm or distress,' and another for encouraging or assisting these practices to occur outside of England and Wales.
- Conversion Practice Protection Orders: New civil powers, termed Conversion Practice Protection Orders, are included to offer pre-emptive protection to individuals deemed at risk of abuse.
- Penalties: Convictions for abusive conversion practices could result in unlimited fines and prison sentences of up to five years.
Minister for Equalities Olivia Bailey emphasized that conversion practices are based on the 'false belief that being LGBT+ is shameful and can be forcibly changed,' highlighting the necessity of legislative action to close existing legal loopholes.
Prevalence and Concerns
Determining the exact prevalence of conversion practices is challenging. A 2018 UK-wide LGBT Survey indicated that approximately 5% of 108,000 respondents had been offered some form of conversion therapy, with 2% having undergone it. More recent data from Galop, an anti-LGBT abuse charity, identified over 300 calls concerning conversion practices between 2022 and 2025. Analysis of a sample of these calls revealed instances of physical and sexual violence, forced marriages, and individuals being taken abroad for conversion practices. A significant number of these cases were reported as ongoing or recent, with parents initiating over half of them.
The introduction of a ban on conversion practices was initially promised in 2018 but faced delays and several government policy reversals. Advisors previously struggled to reach a consensus on whether such laws might inadvertently criminalize exploratory conversations about gender identity or sexual orientation between parents, young people, or professionals.
The government maintains that the draft proposals include exemptions for legitimate healthcare and establish a 'high threshold' for criminality, ensuring only 'abusive acts, seeking to change someone's identity' fall under the law. Dr. Hilary Cass, who authored a significant report on children's gender identity services, welcomed the clearer definition provided by the legislation, which she believes will enable healthcare professionals to perform their duties without fear of litigation.
Differing Perspectives
The proposed legislation is expected to generate considerable debate. Advocates for the ban argue it is long overdue, while critics express concerns about potential unintended consequences.
Andrea Minichiello Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, voiced concerns that the legislation could 'needlessly restrict freedom of speech and prayer' and have a 'chilling impact' on therapists and religious leaders. She argued that genuinely abusive practices are already illegal and that a new ban might target consensual conversations that many find beneficial.
Conversely, Baptist minister Justin Kennedy, who recounted undergoing 'deliverance therapy' in his early 20s, believes a ban will prevent harm. He described being left suicidal after six years of these practices, which he said led to a loss of faith and feelings of shame.
The bill is expected to undergo a period of pre-legislative scrutiny for approximately three months, followed by several stages of review and voting in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before it can become law.
Source: Jail time and unlimited fines planned under conversion practices ban