Story perspectives

New Bill Criminalizes Conversion Practices, Up to Five Years

6/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The draft Conversion Practices Bill defines conversion practices as abusive acts to change sexual orientation or gender identity and proposes five-year prison terms and protection orders for victims.
Minister for Equalities Olivia Bailey announced the bill and said it will undergo scrutiny and include health-care exemptions.
Stonewall and Galop praised the bill as a protection, while the Christian Legal Centre warned it could curb free speech and will challenge it.

History

Historical Context

California enacted the United States’ first statewide ban on conversion therapy for minors in 2012, a rule the Ninth Circuit upheld in 2013. By December 2023, 28 countries—including Canada, France and Germany—had bans, and the Council of Europe urged all members to prohibit the practice in a 29 January 2026 resolution. The growing legal consensus fuels the UK’s new Conversion Practices Bill.

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Story summary

The draft Conversion Practices Bill defines conversion practices as abusive acts to change sexual orientation or gender identity and proposes five-year prison terms and protection orders for victims.
Minister for Equalities Olivia Bailey announced the bill and said it will undergo scrutiny and include health-care exemptions.
Stonewall and Galop praised the bill as a protection, while the Christian Legal Centre warned it could curb free speech and will challenge it.

1 / 2