Britain has unveiled plans to criminalise abusive and harmful practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, publishing a draft Conversion Practices Bill for England and Wales.
The proposed legislation marks a significant step in protecting vulnerable individuals from so-called “conversion practices”, which campaigners say cause lasting psychological harm.
Under the draft law, offenders could face up to five years in prison and unlimited fines. It would also make it a criminal offence to encourage or assist conversion practices carried out abroad, extending protections to British citizens beyond national borders.
The government introduced the bill in London on Thursday, fulfilling pledges first made in 2021 and reaffirmed in January 2023.
Officials said the measures would align with existing safeguards against abuses such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
“Measures in the draft bill would also create civil protections similar to those for forced marriage and female genital mutilation to protect those at risk of abuse,” the government said.
The legislation includes exemptions for legitimate healthcare, allowing therapists and counsellors to continue open discussions about sexuality and identity without fear of prosecution.
The bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny before being formally introduced to Parliament for debate. Campaigners and rights groups have welcomed the move as a long-awaited milestone in advancing equality and human rights across England and Wales.