UK government finally poised to publish draft ban on conversion practices

A long-delayed bill to prohibit gay and trans conversion practices in the UK is expected to be published in draft form next week, according to multiple sources.

Conversion practices, which seek to suppress or change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, have been widely condemned by LGBT+ organisations, healthcare professionals and human rights experts as a form of abuse.

A ban was first promised in July 2018 by then–prime minister Theresa May and has been trailed in four of the last five King’s or Queen’s Speeches. A government spokesperson previously stated the administration would “provide an update on this early in the second session” of parliament, which began in mid-May, adding: “Conversion practices are abuse – such acts have no place in society, and this government is taking a clear stand against them.”

The bill is expected to appear as a draft next week, Sky News reports. Publication in this form allows for extensive consultation before MPs begin formal scrutiny and voting. It also indicates that the measure may face a lengthy route through parliament and carries a lower likelihood of passing all stages within the next year, given the already demanding legislative programme set out in the King’s Speech, which contains 37 bills.

Dr Alice Lily, senior researcher at the Institute for Government, told Sky News that the pace of progress “will depend a bit on how much policy work has already gone into the draft [bill] and what the response to it is like”, noting the considerable volume of legislation the government has committed to deliver in the current session.

Some religious groups have raised concerns about maintaining space for pastoral conversations with people who feel uncertain about their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT+ advocates stress that a robust ban can protect open, supportive counselling while clearly outlawing coercive and harmful practices.

Labour MP Kate Osborne has expressed concern that the conversion therapy legislation is the only measure in the King’s Speech explicitly described as a draft bill, warning that this “gives people more opportunity to frustrate what is an already delayed and very necessary bill”, although she believes ministers intend to advance it “as soon as possible”.

Labour MP Rachel Taylor welcomed the government’s renewed commitment, emphasising that “LGBT+ people have waited for far too long for this vital bill” and highlighting the importance of a trans-inclusive approach: “Conversion practices are abuse, and it is high time the law made that crystal clear.”

LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall has also welcomed the pledge to publish a draft bill, while pointing to repeated previous promises that have not resulted in legislation. Stonewall has urged the government to publish the draft before parliament’s summer recess. Publication next week would satisfy that call.

Survivors of conversion practices continue to urge rapid progress. Ian Tucker-Bell, who underwent church-based conversion efforts between the ages of 17 and 20 in the late 1980s, said he is “glad to hear” the bill is being published and is “keen to see the detail”. Reflecting on years of delay, he questioned “what other form of abuse would have so much delay in banning?” and described himself as “on the impatient side of eager to get this over the line”, while acknowledging that parliamentary processes take time. “I just hope there is the will, determination, and momentum to get us to the finish line,” he said.

As the UK edges closer to legislating against conversion practices, many LGBT+ people, allies and inclusive employers are looking for practical ways to support equality and safer environments in everyday life. One route is through professional and business networks that centre LGBT+ inclusion; by signing up to myGwork, individuals and organisations can connect with a global community committed to dignity, safety and respect for LGBT+ people at work.