New research reveals alarming scale of conversion practices in Great Britain

New research commissioned by Stonewall reveals the alarming prevalence of conversion practices in Great Britain. These interventions aim to change, cure, or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This data emerges as the UK Government plans to release a draft Bill for a comprehensive ban on conversion practices this spring.

Stonewall has been advocating for a ban on conversion practices for five years, pushing for an inclusive prohibition that ensures the protection of all LGBTQ+ individuals without leaving loopholes for these harmful practices to continue.

In 2020, Stonewall co-founded the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, which is led by Jayne Ozanne. This coalition unites LGBTQ+ organisations, faith groups, and other parties to campaign for a comprehensive ban.

As ‘Stonewall’ writes, the newly gathered research highlights the damaging effects of conversion practices on LGBTQ+ individuals in Great Britain. Reports of physical assault, pseudo-scientific counseling, prayer as a means of healing, ‘corrective rape,’ exorcism, community exclusion, and more illustrate that these practices persist widely.

The nationwide survey reveals that nearly a third (31 percent) of LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced attempts to alter their gender identity or sexual orientation through methods such as:

• Physical assault (17 percent)

• Pseudo-scientific counseling (12 percent)

• 'Corrective rape'/sexual assault (12 percent)

• Prayer as healing (17 percent)

• Exorcism (10 percent)

• Being made to ingest ‘purifying’ substances (11 percent)

• Exclusion from family, social, or community activities (19 percent)

• Threats of homelessness (15 percent)

For trans and non-binary individuals, 38 percent have faced physical assault and community exclusion. Nearly 17 percent of bisexual individuals have been threatened with homelessness due to their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Conversion practices are interventions seeking to change, cure, or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity, including practices like pseudo-scientific counselling, forcing the ingestion of ‘purifying’ substances, threats of homelessness, corrective rape, prayer for healing, and exorcism.

Since 2018, successive UK Governments and four Prime Ministers have pledged to ban conversion practices, yet no bill has been presented. These practices inflict long-term psychological harm on victims, with their legality posing risks to LGBTQ+ individuals daily.

As the UK Government drafts legislation, Stonewall calls for a comprehensive, inclusive ban for all LGBTQ+ people, which must include protection for trans individuals who are particularly vulnerable to these practices. The legislation must not be diluted in ways that could protect perpetrators or allow abusers to downplay the harm caused.

Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, stated: “Every day that conversion practices are legal, they cause immense suffering to LGBTQ+ individuals across the country, endangering their well-being. These startling figures reveal how widespread these practices remain, often hidden from public view.”

He added: “This data represents real people who have been told that their sexual orientation or gender identity is wrong and needs to be ‘fixed’. The overdue draft bill must ensure a fully inclusive ban that leaves no room for perpetrators to deny their actions, providing justice for victims.”

“A ban is also crucial for the UK to reclaim its status as a global leader in LGBTQ+ rights, having dropped from 1st to 15th place for LGBTQ+ friendly laws and policies in Europe within a decade. We must strive for better, and a robust, inclusive bill is essential for rebuilding trust with LGBTQ+ Britons.”

Matthew, who has personal experience with conversion practices, shared: “These practices do more than just target sexual orientation or gender identity; they make you doubt yourself and lose confidence in who you are. The impact on my mental health, leading to anxiety, isolation, and depression, is something nobody should experience. Amid rising hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals, the UK Government has a crucial opportunity to stand up against cruelty and protect our communities from abuse.”