The UK government has published a draft Conversion Practices Bill that would criminalise abusive attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity in England and Wales. Offenders could face an unlimited fine and/or up to five years in prison, and those who encourage or assist practices abroad could also be prosecuted. The bill includes civil protections modelled on forced marriage and FGM measures and exempts legitimate healthcare conversations. It will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny before being introduced to Parliament.
UK Moves to Criminalise Conversion Therapies: Draft Bill Targets Abusive Practices at Home and Abroad
People carry a large rainbow flag, as they take part in the 2022 Pride Parade in London, Britain July 2, 2022. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls
London, June 25 — The UK government has published a draft Conversion Practices Bill that would make abusive and harmful attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity a criminal offence in England and Wales.
The draft legislation sets out both criminal and civil measures intended to prevent coercive or harmful “conversion” practices, while protecting legitimate, non-coercive healthcare and counselling.
Key Provisions
- Criminal Offences: Individuals found to be carrying out conversion practices in England and Wales could face an unlimited fine and/or up to five years in prison.
- Overseas Conduct: The bill would also criminalise encouraging, assisting or facilitating conversion practices that take place outside England and Wales, to deter arrangements that move abusive treatments abroad.
- Civil Protection Measures: The draft includes civil protections modelled on measures used for forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) to safeguard people judged to be at risk.
- Healthcare Exemptions: Exemptions are specified for legitimate healthcare and therapeutic conversations, ensuring therapists and counsellors can continue to hold open, non-coercive discussions about sexuality and gender identity.
- Legislative Process: The proposed bill will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny before being introduced to Parliament for debate and potential amendment.
Context
Ministers first pledged to outlaw conversion practices in 2021 and reiterated that commitment in January 2023. The draft bill represents the government’s next step toward delivering that promise by creating clear criminal and civil routes to protect people from abusive interventions.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by William James)
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