UK Government Announces Draft Trans-Inclusive Ban on Conversion Therapy in England and Wales

In the State Opening of Parliament on 13 May 2026, King Charles III read a King’s Speech that announced a draft Conversion Practices Bill. The bill would criminalise attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, calling such acts “abuse.” Officials say the draft will be targeted to avoid interfering with legitimate healthcare. It applies only to England and Wales, where criminal law is devolved, and will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny before further parliamentary action.

Express Tribune

Calls to ban conversion therapy date back to 2018, when Prime Minister Theresa May pledged to end the practice. Subsequent governments offered varied commitments: Boris Johnson’s 2022 plan excluded gender identity; Rishi Sunak’s 2023 promise was trans-inclusive but later withdrawn; and Keir Starmer’s Labour manifesto in 2024 reaffirmed a trans-inclusive ban. The July 2024 King’s Speech repeated the pledge without a draft. The 2026 speech is the fourth King’s Speech to contain the commitment and the first to announce a draft for England and Wales.

Just Jared

The draft targets “abusive conversion practices” that aim to alter sexual orientation or gender identity. Officials say it will not affect consensual counselling or medical care for those voluntarily exploring identity. Because criminal law is devolved, Scotland and Northern Ireland are excluded. A pre-legislative scrutiny committee will review the bill, allowing expert input before formal debate.

Express Tribune

The plan has drawn praise and concern. Stonewall welcomed the commitment, noting conversion practices cause profound harm to LGBTQ+ people, but urged the draft be published before the summer recess. The Christian Institute warned the bill could criminalise “disagreement,” potentially affecting pastoral counselling, parental guidance and religious expression. Both stress the need for safeguards to balance protection against abuse with freedom of belief.

Draft ‘conversion therapy’ Bill in King’s Speech again

Some outlets reported that King Charles III personally banned conversion therapy, whereas the speech reflects the government’s agenda, not a royal decree. The draft’s exact language, enforcement mechanisms, and timeline for final passage remain unspecified, leaving uncertainty about how the bill will balance protection against abuse with religious freedoms.

Express Tribune

The draft will be published for pre-legislative scrutiny, with stakeholders invited to comment before the summer recess. Parliament is expected to debate the bill thereafter, determining whether the proposed ban will become law and how it will be implemented across England and Wales.

Express Tribune

• “Conversion practices are abuse, and the government will deliver the manifesto commitment to bring forward a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.” — Government statement (King’s Speech addendum)

Them.us

• “Four different Prime Ministers have promised to ban these abhorrent conversion practices, so this is an unacceptable position to be in,” — Simon Blake OBE, CEO, Stonewall

Them.us

• “Conversion practices continue to cause profound harm to the LGBTQ+ community. There is no place for this abuse in the UK. But the campaign continues — we will not let the Government drop this vital legislation.” — Stonewall statement

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