After a wait of nearly seven years, the British government is preparing to publish draft legislation to ban so-called “conversion therapy,” with the bill expected to be introduced by next spring. The move was reaffirmed in the House of Commons and was first announced in the King’s Speech, marking a significant step long demanded by LGBT+ advocacy groups.
Conversion therapy refers to practices that attempt to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, often through counselling, religious instruction, or other interventions, with the aim of aligning individuals with socially or religiously prescribed norms. The proposed law seeks to prohibit such practices, which critics say cause serious psychological harm.
Campaigners have welcomed the renewed commitment but warned that the long delay has already caused damage. Saba Ali, interim chair of the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition, said the years of inaction represent a failure to protect vulnerable people, stressing that every day of delay leaves individuals exposed to abusive practices.
Survivors’ testimonies have played a central role in the debate. Simon Burrows, who sought help from the Christian charity Living Out while struggling with his faith and sexuality, described an environment that left him feeling trapped and suicidal. He said he was told that failing to marry someone of the opposite sex would condemn him to eternal punishment.
At the heart of the controversy lies a fundamental disagreement over where “conversion practices” end and where legitimate religious guidance, parental support, and freedom of expression begin. The government has repeatedly insisted that the bill will not cover “legitimate psychological support” and will respect the roles of teachers, religious leaders, parents, and caregivers.
Some Christian groups have expressed strong concerns. Ed Shaw, director of Living Out, warned that a broad definition of “suppression” could effectively criminalise religious teaching. He argued that offering advice consistent with traditional Christian beliefs should not be treated as unlawful if individuals voluntarily seek such guidance.
Similar concerns have been raised within Muslim communities, though these voices have received less attention in mainstream debate. Organisations including the Muslim Council of Britain have firmly opposed any coercive or harmful practices but have also emphasised the need to protect the transmission of Islamic teachings. Many Muslim scholars and parents fear that ambiguity in the law could lead to religious counselling being misinterpreted as conversion therapy.
Legal uncertainty around the proposed legislation has sparked anxiety among parents from various religious and cultural backgrounds. They worry that providing faith-based or culturally specific guidance could unintentionally fall under the scope of the ban if interpreted as discouraging a particular sexual identity or expression.
As the draft bill is prepared, campaigners and faith groups alike are calling for clarity to ensure that harmful practices are effectively banned without infringing on fundamental rights to belief, expression, and religious practice.
