The UK Government has pledged to introduce a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy, with a Draft Conversion Practices Bill included in Wednesday’s King’s Speech.
The Bill forms part of Labour’s legislative programme for the coming parliamentary session and follows a commitment made in the party’s 2024 election manifesto.
The Government says the legislation will aim to eradicate what it described as “abusive” practices, while ensuring the ban does not interfere with legitimate healthcare for people exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Bill to cover England and Wales
The proposed legislation will apply to England and Wales only, as criminal law is devolved across the UK’s other nations.
The Draft Conversion Practices Bill will be published for pre-legislative scrutiny, allowing experts, stakeholders, and affected communities to provide input before the legislation progresses further.
A ban on conversion therapy was first promised in 2018, seven years and multiple governments ago.
Campaigners demand action
LGBTQ+ advocates have long criticised successive governments for failing to deliver a ban, despite repeated promises.
Stonewall welcomed the latest announcement but made clear that campaigners remain frustrated by years of delay.
“As another parliamentary session ends, another government fails on its commitment to ban conversion practices,” the charity said in a statement in April, alongside the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition.
“Conversion practices continue to cause profound harm to the LGBTQ+ community. There is no place for this abuse in the UK. But the campaign continues — we will not let the Government drop this vital legislation.”
For LGBTQ+ campaigners, the inclusion of a trans-inclusive Draft Conversion Practices Bill marks an important step forward. However, after years of stalled promises, many will be watching closely to see whether the Government delivers a strong, effective ban that protects all LGBTQ+ people from harm.
