The UK government has published a draft bill banning abusive gay and transgender conversion practices, with perpetrators facing up to five years in prison and unlimited fines. The Conversion Practices Bill, covering England and Wales, fulfills a Labour manifesto commitment from 2024.
Criminal Threshold and Abuse
The government said a criminal threshold will be set at conduct including abusive acts that seriously harm the victim. Extreme cases have included beatings, rape, and exorcisms. Research during Theresa May's premiership showed nearly one in five (18%) LGBT+ people in the UK have experienced attempts to change or 'cure' them.
LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop reported that in 195 cases between 2022 and 2025, more than two-thirds were recent or ongoing. The government's Office for Equality and Opportunity warned that these practices still occur today, involving physical, sexual, economic, and psychological abuse.
Official Reactions
Minister for Equalities Olivia Bailey said: 'Conversion practices are driven by the false belief that being LGBT+ is shameful and can be forcibly changed. 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. Legal loopholes have left LGBT+ people vulnerable to these harmful acts which is why we must legislate.'
Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, welcomed the Bill, stating it is 'important that in protecting people from these unacceptable practices, this legislation also supports healthcare professionals to continue to have appropriate exploratory conversations with their patients.'
Charity and Church Support
Jasmine O’Connor, co-chief executive of Galop, said the charity 'frequently witnesses the devastating impacts caused by conversion practices' and noted gaps in the law had left LGBT+ people 'unprotected against covert and insidious forms of abuse.' She added: 'We welcome this long-overdue legislation – it’s a vital first step toward addressing conversion practices as a distinct form of harm.'
Bishop of Manchester David Walker said the Church of England, whose General Synod voted in favor of a ban in 2017, welcomed the Bill as 'a positive step' towards stopping practices that have 'harmed LGBT+ people over many years, leaving many with lifelong trauma.'
