Dutch parliament votes to criminalise gay conversion therapy – as UK waits for promised ban

The Dutch parliament has voted to criminalise so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in a victory for LGBTQ+ people in The Netherlands.

Conversion therapy, or more accurately known as conversion practices, incorporate various physically, emotionally and psychologically abusive methods to attempt to change someone’s gender and/or sexuality. This can include berating or beating, being forced to pray as a form of healing, and “corrective rape”.

Initially, the New Social Contract, Christian Democrats and Farmer–Citizen Movement parties were opposed to the ban, preventing a majority on the legislation.

However, the vote passed on Tuesday (9 September) after the draft legislation was altered so it would only be punishable to ‘systematically’ and ‘intrusively’ try to change someone’s gender and/or sexuality. Simple conversations, such as between a religious leader and a believer, about trying not to be LGBTQ+ will not be criminalised under the new law.

Social-liberal Wieke Paulusma said following the vote that “love need never be cured”.

“This law protects vulnerable people from harmful practices that endanger their health and safety. This is a choice for freedom, equality and human dignity,” Paulusma said, as quoted by CNE News.

In a statement, the chair of LGBTQ+ group COC Nederland, Myrtille Danse, described the passage of the bill as a “victory”.

“You are perfect just the way you are; never let anyone tell you otherwise,” Danse said.

In contrast, Mirjam Bikker – leader of the ChristenUnie – said it was “regrettable” the bill passed, saying the scope of the law is unclear.

“The ChristenUnie disapproves of conversion therapy, but also stands for a society in which there remains room for conversations about identity and faith.”

Conversion therapy is still not banned in the UK

Currently, conversion therapy is banned is more than two dozen countries but that is just a tiny figure compared to the number of nations where it is not outlawed or actively encouraged.

Conversion therapy as a specific offence is currently not banned in the UK, despite it being discredited by all major health and psychological organisations in the UK.

In April, a new study carried out by Stonewall found the practices remain widespread with 31 per cent of those surveyed reporting they had experienced one or more attempts to change their gender identity and/or sexuality.

The research also revealed that almost one in five said they had experienced physical assault, were forced to use prayer as a form of healing and were excluded by their friends, family and social circles.

10 per cent of respondents also said they had experienced corrective rape/sexual assault or exorcism.

The UK government first pledged to ban conversion therapy back in 2018 when then prime minister Theresa May backed trans-inclusive legislation.

May’s successor, Boris Johnson, subsequently planned to ditch progress on banning it but then opted to push forward with a law that only protected gay, lesbian and bisexual people. After public backlash, the government changed its mind once again and announced outlawing the practices would be inclusive of trans people.

The legislation has faced continuous delays through successive Tory governments and when Labour won the general election in 2024 a ban was included in the King’s Speech.

In October 2024, a Labour spokesperson said one of the Equality Office’s “key immediate priorities” included “delivering a full, trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices”.

No such ban has yet come to light.