Government Publishes Draft Bill to Ban Conversion Practices in England and Wales

After years of campaigning by survivors, LGBTQ+ organisations, charities, and allies, the UK Government has published a draft Conversion Practices Bill that would ban abusive conversion practices in England and Wales. While the legislation has not yet become law, it marks one of the most significant steps towards protecting LGBTQ+ people from these harmful practices.

What are conversion practices?

Conversion practices (often referred to as "conversion therapy") are actions intended to change, suppress, or deny a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. They are widely condemned by medical, psychological and human rights organisations, which have consistently found there is no credible evidence these practices work and that they can cause lasting psychological harm.

These practices can take many forms, including:

• Coercive counselling or pseudo-therapy

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Religious rituals or forced prayer intended to change someone's identity

• Threats, intimidation or isolation

• Pressure from family or community members

  
  

What does the draft Bill propose?

The Government's draft legislation would create new criminal offences targeting abusive conversion practices aimed at changing or suppressing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Key proposals include:

• Criminal offences for carrying out abusive conversion practices.

• A maximum penalty of up to five years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.

• New Conversion Practice Protection Orders, designed to protect individuals who are at risk before abuse occurs.

• An offence covering those who encourage or assist abusive conversion practices outside England and Wales.

• Explicit protections to ensure legitimate healthcare, counselling, therapeutic support and open conversations are not criminalised, provided they are not abusive or intended to change a person's identity.

The Bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny, meaning MPs, experts, charities and stakeholders will examine the proposals before legislation is introduced to Parliament.

A milestone—but not the end of the conversation

The publication of the draft Bill has been welcomed by many LGBTQ+ organisations as a historic step after years of delays. Campaigners have long argued that existing laws do not adequately protect people from abusive attempts to change or suppress who they are.

At the same time, some organisations and advocates have raised questions about the wording of the draft legislation and whether it goes far enough in certain areas. These issues are expected to be explored during the consultation and parliamentary scrutiny process before any final law is passed.

Why this matters

Every LGBTQ+ person deserves to live openly, authentically and without fear of coercion or abuse.

Pride has always been about standing together for equality, dignity and the right to be yourself. While legislation alone cannot end discrimination, stronger legal protections send an important message that abusive practices seeking to erase or suppress LGBTQ+ identities have no place in modern society.

As this legislation progresses through Parliament, Walsall Pride will continue to support efforts that promote inclusion, protect LGBTQ+ communities and ensure everyone can live safely and authentically.

We will continue to follow the progress of the Bill and share updates as it moves through the legislative process.