The proposed Conversion Practices Bill, laid before Parliament on Thursday, marks a significant step towards eradicating the scourge of conversion therapy in England and Wales. By introducing jail sentences of up to five years and unlimited fines for those found guilty, the Government aims to bring perpetrators to justice and protect LGBT+ individuals from "physical and psychological abuse" designed to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Under the new proposals, two distinct criminal offences would be established: one targeting individuals who carry out conversion practices causing "serious harm, alarm or distress", and another addressing those who encourage or assist such practices taking place outside of England and Wales. The Bill also introduces Conversion Practice Protection Orders, a civil power designed to offer pre-emptive safeguards for those deemed vulnerable to abuse.
Minister for Equalities Olivia Bailey stressed that existing laws on domestic abuse or coercive control are insufficient to address "the unique nature" of conversion practices, which are driven by the false belief that being LGBT+ can be forcibly changed. She acknowledged that legal loopholes have left LGBT+ people vulnerable to these harmful acts.
The Bill provides a clear definition of conversion practices as conduct aiming to change someone's sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts causing serious harm. While previous attempts to legislate on this issue faced delays and concerns, the Government asserts that the draft proposals include exemptions for legitimate healthcare, ensuring only abusive acts will be covered by the law.
Despite some groups' concerns that such laws could inadvertently criminalise exploratory conversations around gender identity or sexual orientation, the Government maintains the legislation is carefully framed to avoid this. Dr Hilary Cass, author of a significant report on children's gender identity services, welcomed the Bill as allowing healthcare professionals to perform their duties without fear of litigation.
Galop's data highlights the continued prevalence of conversion practices: over 300 calls were identified between 2022 and 2025, with instances of physical and sexual violence, forced marriages, and individuals being forcibly taken abroad for such practices. The majority of cases were reported as ongoing or recent, initiated by parents in nearly half of cases.