Perpetrators who engage in harmful practices known as conversion therapies targeting the LGBTQ community may soon face severe consequences in the UK. A newly introduced draft law proposes up to five years of imprisonment and hefty fines for individuals involved in these discredited methods.
Referred to as “gay cure therapy,” these practices often aim to suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The proposed law sets a criminal threshold for conduct that inflicts serious harm on the victim, which can include abusive acts ranging from physical violence to exorcisms.
The Conversion Practices Bill, a commitment outlined in the Labour party’s 2024 manifesto, covers England and Wales. Despite its publication, the legislative process involving MPs voting on the bill is anticipated to take time, making it unlikely to come into effect this year.
Research conducted during Theresa May’s tenure revealed that nearly 18% of the LGBTQ population in the UK have encountered attempts to change or “cure” their sexual orientation or gender identity. Galop, an LGBTQ anti-abuse charity, reported that such practices remain prevalent, with a significant number of cases being recent or ongoing.
The Office for Equality and Opportunity emphasized that these abhorrent practices persist, subjecting individuals to various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, economic, and psychological harm. Minister for Equalities Olivia Bailey asserted that conversion practices stem from the misguided belief that being LGBTQ is shameful and can be forcibly altered, emphasizing the need to protect individuals from such harmful acts through legislation.
Professor Subodh Dave from the Royal College of Psychiatrists commended the bill’s introduction, highlighting the importance of banning these harmful practices while supporting healthcare professionals in conducting appropriate discussions with their patients.
Galop’s co-chief executive, Jasmine O’Connor, acknowledged the detrimental impact of conversion practices and emphasized the legislation’s significance in addressing this specific form of harm. Bishop David Walker of Manchester welcomed the bill on behalf of the Church of England, recognizing it as a positive step towards ending practices that have caused lasting trauma to LGBTQ individuals.
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