Government Unveils Legislation to Criminalize Abusive Practices Targeting LGBTQ+ Individuals
Individuals found guilty of engaging in abusive gay and transgender ‘conversion practices’ could soon face up to five years in prison and unlimited fines under a new legislative proposal. This significant penalty is a core component of a draft law that has been formally released following years of anticipation and commitments to outlaw these discredited practices.
Understanding ‘Conversion Practices’
Often mislabeled as ‘gay cure therapy,’ these practices are characterized by attempts to suppress or alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The government has indicated that the criminal threshold will be set for conduct that includes abusive acts causing serious harm to victims. Reports have emerged of extreme cases involving physical violence, sexual assault, and even exorcisms.
Legislative Background and Support
The draft Conversion Practices Bill, which will apply to England and Wales, was a stated commitment in a major political party’s manifesto for 2024. Research conducted during a previous government’s tenure, when a ban was first promised, revealed that a substantial 18% of LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK had experienced attempts to change or ‘cure’ their identity.
Anti-abuse charity Galop has asserted that these practices are not a relic of the past. Their support services have documented 195 cases between 2022 and 2025 where individuals were subjected to these harmful acts, with over two-thirds of these cases being recent or ongoing. The government’s Office for Equality and Opportunity has also warned that these abhorrent practices persist today, often involving physical, sexual, economic, and psychological abuse.
Official Statements and Expert Reactions
Olivia Bailey, Minister for Equalities, stated, “Conversion practices are driven by the false belief that being LGBT+ is shameful and can be forcibly changed. No-one should face abuse just because of who they are. That’s why we are delivering on our manifesto commitment to ban abusive conversion practices. Legal loopholes have left LGBT+ people vulnerable to these harmful acts which is why we must legislate.”
Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, welcomed the Bill’s publication, describing it as a crucial step to ban “these harmful practices.” He emphasized the importance of the legislation also supporting healthcare professionals in continuing to have appropriate exploratory conversations with their patients while protecting individuals from these unacceptable practices.
Jasmine O’Connor, co-chief executive of Galop, highlighted the charity’s frequent observation of the “devastating impacts caused by conversion practices.” She noted that existing legal gaps have left LGBTQ+ individuals “unprotected against covert and insidious forms of abuse.” O’Connor added, “We welcome this long-overdue legislation – it’s a vital first step toward addressing conversion practices as a distinct form of harm.”
Bishop of Manchester David Walker, speaking on behalf of the Church of England, which had previously voted in favor of a ban, welcomed the Bill as “a positive step” towards halting practices that have inflicted “lifelong trauma” on LGBTQ+ individuals for many years.
