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Netherlands Senate Bans Conversion Therapy, Up to Two Years Prison

6/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Netherlands Senate approved a ban on conversion therapy, voting 57 to 15.
The law criminalises attempts to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and bans advertising for such services.
Offenders face up to two years in prison, fines of up to €27,500, and licence loss, while COC Netherlands chair Myrtille Danse says the ban provides long-awaited protection and aligns the country with other European nations.

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Story summary

The Netherlands Senate approved a ban on conversion therapy, voting 57 to 15.
The law criminalises attempts to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and bans advertising for such services.
Offenders face up to two years in prison, fines of up to €27,500, and licence loss, while COC Netherlands chair Myrtille Danse says the ban provides long-awaited protection and aligns the country with other European nations.