Full Breakdown
UK Government Unveils Draft Conversion Practices Bill
6/25/2026, 9:35:55 PM
Defining the New Offence
The draft Conversion Practices Bill, to be laid before Parliament for England and Wales, creates two criminal offences: (1) carrying out conversion practices that cause serious harm, alarm or distress, and (2) encouraging or assisting such practices outside the jurisdiction. “Conversion practices” are defined as conduct that aims to change someone's sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts that seriously harm the victim. The legislation also introduces civil Conversion Practice Protection Orders to pre-emptively safeguard individuals deemed at risk. Penalties include unlimited fines and up to five years’ imprisonment.
Legislative Background
The ban follows a series of unfulfilled promises: a 2018 pledge by former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May, a 2020-21 amendment under Boris Johnson that excluded transgender people, and a 2023 commitment by Rishi Sunak’s government to protect “everyone”. Labour’s 2024 manifesto reaffirmed the pledge, describing the Bill as a “manifesto commitment”. The draft arrives after the Office for Equality and Opportunity warned that existing domestic-abuse and coercive-control laws do not address the “unique nature of abusive conversion practices”.
Key Figures Driving the Bill
- Olivia Bailey, Minister for Equalities, championed the legislation and articulated its purpose.
- Baroness Hilary Cass, reviewer of children’s gender care, praised the clearer definition.
- Jasmine O’Connor, co-chief executive of anti-abuse charity Galop, highlighted the law’s necessity.
- Simon Blake, chief executive of Stonewall, and Bishop David Walker of Manchester voiced support from civil-society perspectives.
- Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, stressed safeguards for healthcare professionals.
Scope and Statistics of Conversion Practices
- 195 cases were reported in the last three years, according to a Galop-commissioned study, with 76 % initiated by family members and 63 % by parents.
- 81 % of reported incidents involved coercive or controlling tactics such as abuse, threats, forced marriage, or surveillance.
- Research from the May-era indicated that 18 % of LGBT+ people in the UK have faced attempts to “cure” them.
- Galop’s support services recorded 195 cases between 2022 and 2025, two-thirds of which were recent or ongoing.
Official Government Position
The Cabinet Office asserts that the Bill will protect LGBT+ people from “physical and psychological abuse to change who they are”. It emphasizes that the legislation will not criminalise expressing beliefs or legitimate healthcare conversations, and that a “high threshold for criminality” ensures only abusive acts causing real harm are prosecuted. The government argues that current legal gaps leave victims vulnerable, necessitating the new offences and protection orders.
Criticism and Concerns
Some advocacy groups warn that the broad definition could inadvertently criminalise exploratory conversations about gender identity or sexual orientation, potentially chilling free speech and therapeutic dialogue. They call for precise safeguards to ensure legitimate discussions remain protected.
Personal Impact and On-the-Ground Accounts
Former reality-TV contestant Matthew Hyndman described his own experience of forced repentance on a missionary ship and welcomed the Bill as “a clear signal … you are not broken, you don’t need to be cured.” Galop’s frontline workers continue to encounter victims of physical, sexual, economic and psychological abuse linked to conversion practices.
Conflicting Data and Unresolved Issues
The identical figure of 195 cases appears in two separate reports covering overlapping but not identical periods, creating uncertainty about the total prevalence. Additionally, the timeline for parliamentary debate remains vague; MPs are not expected to vote imminently, making the bill’s enactment date uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Conversion practices are driven by the false belief that being LGBT+ is shameful and can be forcibly changed.” — Olivia Bailey, Minister for Equalities
- “We welcome this long-overdue legislation – it’s a vital first step toward addressing conversion practices as a distinct form of harm.” — Jasmine O’Connor, co-chief executive, Galop
- “ Stonewall chief executive Simon Blake said people who are gay or transgender “are not broken or in need of ‘fixing’”, adding that such practices “are abuse, and every day without a ban in place leaves people at risk of serious harm”.” — Simon Blake, chief executive, Stonewall
- “harmed LGBT+ people over many years, leaving many with lifelong trauma” — David Walker, Bishop of Manchester
- “important that in protecting people from these unacceptable practices, this legislation also supports healthcare professionals to continue to have appropriate exploratory conversations with their patients” — Subodh Dave, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists
- “ Former Traitors contestant Matthew Hyndman, who once faced so-called conversion therapy, said the ban sends a “clear signal” to LGBT+ people they are “not broken, you don’t need to be cured”.” — Matthew Hyndman, former contestant, *Traitors*
Next Steps for the Bill
The draft will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny, followed by parliamentary debate and possible amendment. Stakeholders anticipate further input from civil-society groups, legal experts, and healthcare bodies before a final vote, which may occur beyond the current calendar year.
