The British government has published draft legislation that would criminalise abusive practices intended to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity in England and Wales.
Under the proposed Conversion Practices Bill, anyone found guilty of carrying out so-called conversion practices could face an unlimited fine, up to five years in prison, or both. The legislation would also make it an offence to encourage or assist such practices outside England and Wales.
The government first pledged to ban conversion practices in 2021 and renewed that commitment in January 2023. The draft bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny before being introduced to Parliament for further debate.
The proposed law would also introduce civil protections for people at risk of being subjected to conversion practices, similar to existing safeguards against forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
The government said the legislation is designed to target abusive conduct while protecting legitimate healthcare and professional support. Therapists, counsellors and healthcare professionals would still be able to hold open discussions with individuals about their sexuality or gender identity without fear of prosecution.
The draft legislation applies to England and Wales and forms part of the government's wider efforts to strengthen legal protections against coercive and harmful practices.
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