The proposed legislation, which applies to England and Wales, was included in Labour's 2024 manifesto pledges. The long-promised ban could see perpetrators of abusive gay and trans 'conversion therapies' face up to five years in prison and unlimited fines.
The government said a criminal threshold will be set at conduct including abusive acts that seriously harm the victim. In extreme cases, it said some had recounted stories ranging from beatings and rape, to exorcisms.
Charity welcomes 'historic moment'
Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people's charity, said: "We welcome the publication of a draft bill on banning conversion practices that aim to change sexual orientation or gender identity.
"It is a historic moment after eight years of delays that have left LGBT+ young people vulnerable to this abhorrent form of abuse. We urge ministers to act quickly and decisively on this draft bill, so that a ban on these abusive practices can become law as soon as possible.
"At Just Like Us, we work hard to eradicate the societal shame and lifelong trauma that LGBT+ young people so often face, including from conversion therapy, and they need the law of this country to protect them from this abuse."
Traitors star backs ban
Traitors star Matthew "Matty" Hyndman escaped gay conversion therapy during his twenties after he refused to undergo counselling and has now thrown his support behind the ban. Speaking at a London event in June, he described himself as "one of the lucky ones" because he managed to walk away, though this had brought its own difficulties.
"In order for me to walk away, in order for me to say no, there was such a huge risk. The risk was that I would lose everyone I know and love. My vocation, my community, everything was so intertwined, particularly when you have a faith, it's so intertwined," Matty explained.
"So for me to say no was for me to reject the belief of my entire community and walk away. And I did, thankfully. I consider myself one of the lucky ones because I did, I walked away, and I said 'no, actually, I think I know who I am'."
"I think it (a ban) just sends a really clear signal, as well," Matty added. "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."
Support available
If you would like to speak to an LGBT helpline please call Switchboard – they are open 7 days a week 10am – 10pm on 0800 0119 100. They also have an instant messaging service, which you can access through their website.
