ENGLAND AND WALES — The United Kingdom government has published a draft bill to prohibit conversion practices in England and Wales. The proposed legislation targets practices that aim to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity through abusive actions.

Under the draft bill, individuals found guilty could face an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison. The legislation defines the criminal threshold as actions intended to alter sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts that result in serious harm to the victim. The government stated that existing laws addressing domestic violence, coercive control, and communications offenses do not sufficiently cover conversion practices.

The draft bill includes measures to safeguard legitimate healthcare, therapy, open conversations, and free speech. Hilary Cass, who authored the Cass review, said, "It is important healthcare professionals providing much needed holistic care to young people feel confident they are able to do their job without fear of litigation, and the minister has kept that important issue in mind at the same time as the need to protect vulnerable young people."

Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, commented on the importance of the draft bill. "LGBTQ+ people are not broken or in need of 'fixing','" he said. Blake added, "At a time when we're seeing increased hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, this draft bill is crucial in creating a safer and more inclusive future."

The proposed legislation also introduces a new civil conversion practice protection order. This order aims to support victims at risk of abuse, similar to existing orders for forced marriage and female genital mutilation cases. Olivia Bailey, Minister for Equalities, stated, "Legal loopholes have left LGBT+ people vulnerable to these harmful acts which is why we must legislate."

The Labour party manifesto includes a commitment to banning conversion practices. Theresa May had previously vowed eight years ago to introduce legislation against conversion practices. Additionally, Boris Johnson's government had planned to exclude gender identity from the ban before reversing this decision following public response. Between 2022 and 2025, the organization Galop identified 371 cases involving conversion practices.