In a landmark development for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, the Government has officially published its draft Bill aimed at banning "conversion practices."
Often referred to as "conversion therapy," these are discredited and harmful practices that attempt to suppress, change, or "cure" an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
These practices can range from pseudo-psychological "treatments" and coercive counseling to religious-based interventions like forced prayer or exorcisms.
The Government has stated that the new legislation is designed to fill current legal gaps, ensuring that abusive practices are criminalised while protecting legitimate healthcare, therapy, and free expression.
Key provisions of the draft Bill include:
The Bill aims to criminalise abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm, alarm, or distress to a victim.
New civil "Conversion Practice Protection Orders" will be introduced.
Those found guilty of conducting these abusive practices could face an unlimited fine, a custodial sentence of up to five years, or both.
The Government has clarified that the Bill is not intended to ban open-ended, non-directive therapy or conversations that allow individuals to explore their identity, nor does it aim to criminalize the expression of religious beliefs unless those expressions cross the threshold into abusive, harm-causing conduct.
For many, this publication is a "momentous step" following eight years of delays and broken promises.
The publication of the draft Bill is the start of a legislative process rather than the end of the campaign. The Bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny by a joint committee, providing an opportunity for Parliamentarians, clinicians, and the public to review the details and ensure the final law is robust.
Campaigners are expected to work closely with the Government during this period to ensure the final legislation is effective, trans-inclusive, and free of loopholes that could allow such abuse to persist.
