Full Breakdown
UK Draft Conversion Practices Bill Aims to Criminalise Abuse Targeting LGBTQ+ People
6/27/2026, 5:14:03 AM
Core Provisions
The Conversion Practices Bill creates offences England/Wales: (1) carrying out practices that aim to change orientation or gender identity and cause harm; (2) encouraging or assisting such practices. Penalties are fines, imprisonment, plus protection orders.
Legislative History
The ban was pledged in Theresa May’s 2018 LGBT Action Plan. Governments altered the scope, prompting backlash. The draft restores language and will undergo three-month scrutiny before debate.
Scope & Penalties
The Bill defines conversion practices as conduct that seeks to change orientation or gender identity through abusive acts causing harm. Exemptions protect healthcare, therapy and dialogue, with a threshold to safeguard free speech.
Evidence of Conversion Practices
The 2018 LGBT survey found 5 % of 108 000 respondents had been offered conversion therapy and 2 % had undergone it. Galop logged 371 cases (2022-2025); 76 % involved family members, 63 % parents, and 81 % featured tactics such as threats or marriage. Victims report violence, exorcisms and harm.
Official Statements & Responses
Olivia Bailey said loopholes leave LGBT+ people vulnerable, justifying Bill. Dr Hilary Cass praised definition for protecting clinicians. Stonewall CEO Simon Blake called draft historic.
Criticism & Opposition
Andrea Minichiello Williams warned it could restrict speech and prayer, and Mary-Ann Stephenson of Equality and Human Rights Commission urged boundaries to protect medical treatment and religious freedoms.
Survivor Testimonies
Minister Justin Kennedy said years of deliverance therapy left him suicidal, describing impact as “absolutely drastic.” Matthew Hyndman said ban “sends a clear signal… you’re not broken, you don’t need to be cured.” Ian, an unnamed survivor, called announcement “a moment of justice” his confidence was shattered.
Conflicting Data & Gaps
Estimates of prevalence differ: the 5 % figure from the 2018 survey lacks definition, while Galop’s 371 cases cover only reported incidents. Sources disagree whether the Bill’s exemptions protect therapeutic dialogue, a point raised by healthcare advocates and religious groups.
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
- “Simon Blake, CEO at Stonewall, said: People from the LGBTQ+ community are not broken or in need of ‘fixing’.” — Simon Blake, CEO, Stonewall
- “A new ban would target prayer and consensual conversations that many people find beneficial.” — Andrea Minichiello Williams, Chief Executive, Christian Legal Centre
- “When somebody that you respect, and who you believe holds knowledge of God tries to rewire you, the knock-on effects are absolutely drastic.” — Justin Kennedy, Baptist minister
What's Next
The draft bill enters a three-month scrutiny, during which parliamentarians may propose amendments. The Christian Legal Centre has signalled an intention to mount a legal challenge should the law be enacted. After scrutiny, the proposal will face votes in both Houses before becoming law.
