The UK government has published its draft conversion practices bill, which would ban abusive practices aimed at changing someone's sexual orientation or gender identity in England and Wales. Perpetrators could face an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison. The bill is hailed as a 'historic and long overdue' milestone by campaigners.
Stonewall CEO Welcomes 'Historic Step'
Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, described the draft bill as a 'historic and long overdue step forward on the journey towards LGBTQ+ equality.' He stated: 'LGBTQ+ people are not broken or in need of “fixing”. At a time when we’re seeing increased hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, this draft bill is crucial in creating a safer and more inclusive future.'
It has been eight years since then-Prime Minister Theresa May first vowed to introduce anti-conversion practice legislation, but progress was hampered by political disputes and U-turns. Boris Johnson's government planned to scrap the ban entirely before announcing it would only cover sexual orientation, not gender identity, causing backlash and forcing the cancellation of an international LGBT conference.
Opposition and Safeguards
Opponents argue the legislation could encroach on free speech, prayer, and parents' ability to discuss these issues with their children. However, Labour, which committed to the ban in its manifesto, said the criminal threshold would be 'conduct that aims to change someone’s sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts that seriously harm the victim.' The party vowed safeguards to protect legitimate healthcare, therapy, open conversations, and free speech.
Dr. Hilary Cass, author of the Cass review into gender identity services for children, noted: 'It is important healthcare professionals providing much needed holistic care to young people feel confident they are able to do their job without fear of litigation, and the minister has kept that important issue in mind at the same time as the need to protect vulnerable young people.'
New Protection Orders and Personal Testimony
The bill also creates a new civil conversion practice protection order to support victims at risk of abuse pre-emptively, similar to protection orders for forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Matthew Hyndman, a contestant on The Traitors, shared his experience: 'My vocation, my community, everything was so intertwined, particularly when you have a faith. So for me to say no was to reject the belief of my entire community and walk away. I did, thankfully. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. A ban sends a really clear signal. Anyone who is currently experiencing this, anyone who has, they’re hearing from the highest point that this is wrong and that it should not be happening to you. You’re not broken, you don’t need to be cured.'
Statistics and Government Position
Galop, the anti-LGBT abuse charity, identified 371 cases involving conversion practices between 2022 and 2025. Jasmine O’Connor, co-CEO at Galop, said the charity 'frequently witnesses the devastating impacts caused by conversion practices' and the ban is 'urgently needed.' The government stated that existing laws covering domestic violence, coercive control, and communications offences do not adequately address the unique nature of abusive conversion practices. Olivia Bailey, minister for equalities, said: 'Legal loopholes have left LGBT+ people vulnerable to these harmful acts which is why we must legislate.'
