Full Breakdown
EU Commission Opts for Recommendation Over Binding Ban on Conversion Therapy
5/16/2026, 12:59:16 AM
Background & Context
In May 2026 the European Commission answered a European Citizens’ Initiative that collected over 1.1 million signatures demanding an EU-wide ban on conversion therapy. The petition, backed by more than 300 NGOs and endorsed by an April European Parliament resolution, sought binding legislation. The Commission instead announced a non-binding recommendation to member states, noting that unanimity for an EU directive would likely take a decade or longer.
Data & Statistics
The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights’ 2024 survey shows 24 % of LGBTQ+ people in the EU have experienced conversion practices, especially in Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Slovakia. Eight states—Malta (2016), Germany (2020), France (2022), Greece (2022), Spain (2023), Belgium (2023), Cyprus (2023) and Portugal (2024)—have national bans; other reports cite about ten countries with full or partial prohibitions.
Official Statements & Responses
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that conversion practices are incompatible with EU values, underscoring the bloc’s equality agenda. Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib characterized the practices as violent, non-medical interventions and urged swift national bans. ILGA-Europe’s Cianan Russel welcomed the recommendation as the strongest tool available, noting that a binding law would have required unanimity and risked deadlock. The Commission plans a 2027 recommendation with awareness campaigns, professional training and a study of the practice’s scale.
Criticism & Opposition
Against Conversion Therapy (ACT) called the Commission’s decision a “missed opportunity” and “shameful,” arguing a binding ban is needed amid rising homophobia. French MEP Manon Aubry described the move as “shameful.” Melissa Camara of the Parliament’s LGBTIQ+ rights group said the step is “far too timid” given the trauma caused by conversion practices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Petition signatures are reported as “over 1.1 million,” “1.2 million,” and a precise 1,245,626. The number of countries with bans is cited as eight or about ten. No source gives a clear timeline for when all member states will enact bans, leaving the effect of the 2027 recommendation uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Conversion practices have no place in our union,” — Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission
- “It is a shameful practice, an unacceptable practice. This is not healthcare – it’s violence in disguise. Nobody should have to go through this,” — Hadja Lahbib, Equality Commissioner
- “In an international political climate where reactionary ideas are on the rise around the world, there is an urgent need for the European Union to act,” — Against Conversion Therapy (ACT)
- “is sending a clear message, without ambiguity, to every Member State in this Union: Ban conversion practices. Now.” — Hadja Lahbib, Equality Commissioner
What’s Next
The Commission will issue its 2027 recommendation, coupled with EU-funded awareness campaigns, professional training and a study on conversion practices. Activists plan to keep pressure on governments ahead of the Brussels Pride parade and the May 17 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
