Government Unveils Plans To Ban Conversion Practices

Offenders could face up to five years in prison under new legislation.

The government has today unveiled draft legislation to ban conversion practices, a move campaigners have been calling for since 2016.

The proposals, announced by equalities minister Olivia Bailey, would make it a criminal offence to subject someone to practices intended to change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Those found guilty could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Announcing the bill, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire said, "Conversion practices are driven by the false belief that being LGBTQ + is shameful and can be forcibly changed."

The government says the legislation will close gaps in existing protections and help prevent LGBTQ+ people from being exposed to harmful and coercive practices.

Saba Ali, chair of the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, welcomed the announcement but said further work was needed to ensure LGBTQ+ people are fully protected.

In response to the announcement, Ali Said, "No one should ever be told they can't be who they are, or love who they love. LGBTQ+ identities are beautiful, diverse, and should be celebrated, and yet attempts to change and suppress them are still happening across the UK, causing profound suffering.”

The issue has been the subject of political debate for nearly a decade. Former Prime Minister Theresa May first committed to ending conversion therapy in 2016, but successive governments have faced criticism over delays to legislation.

In 2022, leaked documents reported by ITV suggested plans for a ban could be dropped, prompting a backlash from campaigners and LGBTQ+ Organisations.

The latest proposals marks the most significant step yet towards a full legal ban on conversion practices. However there have been critics of the announcement with the likes of Broadcaster India Willoughby taking to X to call the news “close to meaningless”.

PLEASE, can we not do this ‘hurray’ thing? It is a DRAFT BILL. Close to meaningless. More years of nothing talking about the pros and cons of banning the torture of gay and trans people thru conversion therapy. It should be done instantly. No consultation with anyone required. pic.twitter.com/6fMqsuoN28

— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) June 25, 2026