Government to bring forward Conversion Practices Bill this parliamentary session, confirms equalities minister

The Labour government has pledged to bring forward legislation for a trans-inclusive ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ “this parliamentary session”, more than eight years after the UK vowed to outlaw the abhorrent practices.

Conversion practices, more often and less accurately known as conversion therapy despite no actual therapy happening, refers to the methods carried out by anti-LGBTQ+ groups or individuals to try and forcibly change the sexuality and/or gender identity of an individual.

Various physically, emotionally and psychologically abusive means are used, including – but not limited to – berating or beatings, being forced to pray as a form of healing and “corrective rape”.

The practices have been discredited by all major health and psychological organisations in the UK.

The government first pledged to ban conversion practices all the way back in 2018, when then Prime Minister Theresa May backed trans-inclusive legislation.

However, successive Tory governments failed to outlaw the practices and completed many U-turns on the proposed legislation, such as making it so it would only protect lesbian, gay and bisexual people or would be scrapped altogether – to much condemnation.

Following Keir Starmer’s general election victory in July 2024, Labour confirmed they too were committed to a full, trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.

On Wednesday (25 February), leading LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall hosted a panel event at the House of Commons to mark the end of LGBT History month.

During the event, equalities minister Olivia Bailey confirmed the government will be bringing forward a Conversion Practices Bill this parliamentary session. 

Bailey, who represents Reading West and Mid Berkshire and is an out lesbian, said: “LGBT+ History Month is about recognising the organisations and individuals who have been trailblazers for our community.

“But it’s also about the everyday LGBTQ+ people who have had the courage to link hands in the street.

“Because our history is a history of the courage and the persistence of individuals and it is our collective strength that has enabled us to change this country for the better.”

“LGBT+ History Month is not just about looking back. It’s also about asking what comes next,” she continued. “We are committed to bringing forward a trans inclusive ban on conversion practises as soon as possible. They are rooted in the false and harmful idea that LGBT plus identities are something to be corrected or erased, and we will act.” 

Bailey went on to say: “Stonewall’s work reminds us that progress is never simply about passing a law and moving on. 

“It’s about implementation. It’s about culture change. It’s about ensuring that our young people, an employee in a workplace, a patient in the clinic or a veteran seeking recognition, all experience dignity and freedom to be themselves.

“Progress is never linear. Many of you in this room know how exhausting it can feel to defend gains that we thought was secure.

“But our movement has always acquired resilience. It has always drawn strength from solidarity.”