Today represents a momentous step forward towards LGBTQ+ equality as the Government have finally published their long overdue draft Bill to ban conversion practices.  

Everyone deserves to be free and safe to be who they are, LGBTQ+ people are not broken and they don’t need fixing. After more than eight years of delays and broken promises, this vital government action to protect the LGBTQ+ community from harm is long overdue. 

Conversion practices have caused profound harm and lasting suffering to far too many LGBTQ+ people. Lives have been altered and ruined because of conversion practices, the fact that they have remained legal in the UK for so long is a huge injustice.  

The Ban Conversion Practices Coalition is proud to have led the campaign to ban conversion practices, working tirelessly over the past six years to get to this stage. We’re grateful to every organisation, campaigner and supporter who has had a part to play over the years.  

Saba Ali, Chair of the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition said: 

“Today is a very special day, after years of campaigning, repeated delays and broken promises from successive governments, we finally have draft legislation to ban conversion practices.   

“No one should ever be told they can’t be who they are, or love who they love. LGBTQ+ identities are beautiful, diverse, and should be celebrated, and yet attempts to change and suppress them are still happening across the UK, causing profound suffering.  

“Today’s announcement is a significant and welcome step forward, but it is also long overdue. The fact that these practices have been able to continue for so long is an injustice.   

“Now, we owe it to every survivor to ensure that the final legislation is as robust and effective as possible. I am really pleased to see that the draft legislation includes protection for abuse based on gender identity as well as sexual orientation. A ban that leaves trans people out is not a ban at all." 

"This marks the beginning of an important process of scrutiny. The Coalition will be working with sector partners and Parliamentarians to scrutinise every line. We look forward to continuing to hold government to account to ensure the legislation delivers the comprehensive protections we deserve." 

"This moment belongs to a movement. Over eighty organisations, countless survivors, clinicians, faith leaders and campaigners have refused to let this be forgotten. Today proves what we achieve when we stand together.” 

 What happens next? 

While the publication of a draft Bill is a moment to be celebrated, this is the beginning of a process not the end. Our campaign doesn't end here. Over the coming weeks and months, we will carefully review the legislation to ensure it delivers proper protection for all LGBTQ+ people.  

We look forward to continuing to engage with government as they begin the process of scrutinising the draft Bill. We will be working closely with Parliamentarians and civil society to ensure the final legislation is robust, effective, and ends conversion practices once and for all. 

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