EESC demands EU-wide ban on conversion practices and calls for stronger LGBTQ+ protections

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has urged the European Union to introduce a binding, EU‑wide ban on conversion practices and to step up enforcement of the LGBTQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030, in moves aimed at strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ people across the bloc.

At its April plenary session in Brussels, the EESC held a high‑level debate on “Union of Equality: Advancing LGBTQ+ rights and banning conversion practices,” followed by the adoption of two formal opinions: one on banning conversion practices in the EU, and one on the upcoming LGBTQ+ Equality Strategy.

EESC President Séamus Boland opened the debate with a clear condemnation of conversion practices, which attempt to change, suppress or erase a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

“These so‑called conversion practices or therapies are not only harmful, they are a profound violation of human dignity and fundamental rights,” he said. “Let us be absolutely clear: there is nothing to fix or cure. What needs to change is not people, but the systems, attitudes and structures that deny them their dignity.”

Speakers noted that, despite legal and policy progress in several Member States, many LGBTQ+ people continue to experience discrimination, harassment and violence. Trans, non‑binary and intersex people were identified as facing particularly serious risks.

Conversion practices remain in use in parts of Europe, despite broad medical, human‑rights and civil‑society consensus that they are harmful, comparable to hate‑motivated abuse and incompatible with EU fundamental rights standards.

Representing the European Citizens’ Initiative “Ban conversion practices in the European Union”, Caleb Stocco of the European Association Against Conversion Therapy (ACT) called for an EU‑level response.

“Today, I urge you to vote for humanity, I urge you to vote for common sense,” he told members, describing the severe and lasting psychological and physical damage reported by survivors. The EESC has publicly backed this ECI and supported its examination by the European Commission.

Recent data from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights show that high levels of discrimination, online hate speech, school bullying and barriers in access to healthcare, housing and employment remain widespread for LGBTQ+ people across the EU. Implementation gaps and political resistance were highlighted as key obstacles.

The EESC debate also took place in the wake of the Court of Justice of the European Union’s ruling in Commission v Hungary, which held that restrictions on the visibility and expression of LGBTQ+ identities violated EU law. Participants said the decision reinforces the Union’s legal obligation to protect equality and human dignity in all Member States.