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Draft Conversion Practices Bill
25 June 2026
Lead MP
Olivia Bailey
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Women & Equalities
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Olivia Bailey raised concerns about draft conversion practices bill in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The minister apologises for the delay in sending her statement to the Opposition spokesperson and announces the publication of the draft Conversion Practices Bill, aimed at banning abusive conversion practices. The Bill creates a new criminal offence of abusive conversion practice, defined by three criteria: conduct intended to change sexual orientation or transgender identity, conduct that is abusive according to other criminal law standards, and conduct causing serious harm, alarm or distress with substantial impact on daily activities. It includes a second offence for encouraging or assisting such practices abroad. The minister also introduces new protection orders akin to those for forced marriage and female genital mutilation, which can be enforced even before abuse occurs. Offences carry penalties of up to five years in custody or a fine, while breaching a protection order carries two years or a fine. The Bill includes exemptions for healthcare professionals to ensure no chilling effect on legitimate therapeutic practices. The minister acknowledges concerns about freedom of expression, parental rights, and religious freedoms but reassures that the legislation will not affect these rights. She highlights international precedents from 28 countries with similar bans and emphasises the importance of cross-party collaboration in refining the draft Bill through pre-legislative scrutiny.
Mims Davies
Con
Eastleigh
Question
Will the Government ensure that vital scrutiny of the draft Bill is broad and rigorous, particularly given its legal, ethical, and societal complexity?
Minister reply
The minister confirms that pre-legislative scrutiny will be carried out by a Joint Committee of both Houses to ensure thorough examination and welcomes cross-party engagement during this process.
Mims Davies
Con
Eastleigh
Question
How will the Bill recognise the principle of informed consent for adults engaging in exploratory therapy related to gender distress, ensuring that such individuals can discuss their experiences freely?
Minister reply
The minister reassures that the Bill includes exemptions for healthcare professionals and emphasises the importance of protecting legitimate therapeutic practices while preventing abuse.
Mims Davies
Con
Eastleigh
Question
Will exploratory therapy be explicitly protected in the Bill, alongside support for those who detransition, to ensure that individuals can reflect on their earlier decisions without fear of legal repercussions?
Minister reply
The minister confirms that protection is being sought for exploratory therapy and support for those detransitioning within the context of the draft legislation.
Mims Davies
Con
Eastleigh
Question
The shadow Minister questioned the necessity of new legislation, citing concerns about unintended consequences on parents and professionals. She asked for clarification on legal gaps, protections for exploratory therapy, and plans for public consultation.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that current laws do not adequately cover conversion practices as they are designed for intimate partner situations and lack specific definitions. She assured that non-abusive actions by parents or healthcare professionals would not be criminalised and that exemptions in the Bill protect them. The Minister also announced a Joint Committee of both Houses for pre-legislative scrutiny and invited cross-party engagement.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Question
Welcoming the draft Bill, Nia Griffith asked about plans to educate communities where conversion practices are prevalent.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked her colleague for previous work and emphasised that the Bill's primary value is as a deterrent and statement of principle against abusive practices. She committed to developing understanding of the Bill in targeted communities.
Jessica Brown-Fuller
Lib Dem
Question
The Liberal Democrats welcome the draft Bill, referencing the Galop report which includes harrowing testimonies of abuse. They point to Baroness May's promise in 2018 and the Labour Government's subsequent commitment. The MP raises concerns about the UK falling down inclusivity league tables compared to other countries with existing legislation.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked the hon. Lady for her support and clarified that a joint Committee will be set up as soon as possible, aiming to complete pre-legislative scrutiny within 12 sitting weeks. She emphasised the Government's commitment to this manifesto pledge. The Minister also highlighted engagement with LGBTQ+ community members and learning from other countries' legislation.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Question
The MP inquired about the symmetry in the Bill allowing detransitioners to bring retrospective cases against therapists who used an affirmative approach, as was prevalent at the Gender Identity Development Service.
Minister reply
The Minister clarified that the legislation is symmetrical and sets out three parts for criminal threshold: intent to change someone's identity or orientation, through abusive practices defined in other legislations such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and significant harm caused.
Question
Concerned about the Bill’s impact on families, Rebecca asked if positive interactions within a family could fall under the scope of the Bill. She also raised concerns about scenarios where parents do not consent to their child's transition, potentially falling under abusive conversion practice.
Minister reply
The Minister clarified that intent to change, abuse as defined in legislation such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and significant harm are required for prosecutions. There is no exemption for family relationships.
Question
Congratulating the Minister on bringing forward the draft Bill, David mentioned the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ community rights and freedom from parties like Reform UK that might want to take us back to section 28 era.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the hon. Friend's work campaigning for freedoms and reiterated the Labour Government’s commitment to defending and extending LGBT rights, including equalising hate crime laws.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Congratulating the Minister on the long-awaited draft Bill, Christine highlighted Theresa May's 2018 promise and Labour Government’s commitment to send a clear message that LGBTQ+ community rights will be respected.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked the hon. Lady for her support and re-emphasised the importance of defending LGBT rights in the country and around the world.
Question
Congratulating campaigners including his hon. Friend, Alex asked about work with devolved Administrations and the need to ensure no victims are left behind in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked her hon. Friend for support and stated that abuse is never acceptable anywhere. She clarified plans include productive conversations with devolved Administrations during pre-legislative scrutiny.
Lisa Smart
Lab
Offerton and Manchester
Question
I welcome the Minister’s statement on draft legislation against conversion practices. Can you elaborate more on the exemption for health professionals to ensure that there is no loophole for those who might pretend to be healthcare providers to perform abusive conversion practices?
Minister reply
Healthcare professionals will not fall under this Bill if they provide legitimate care, but those who abuse their position by pretending to offer mental health services while engaging in harmful practices will. The exemption on the face of the Bill aims to prevent such abuses without chilling legitimate therapy.
Danny Beales
Lab
Question
Today marks a long-awaited statement against conversion practices, but given the current discourse fuelled by far-right and international organisations, how does the Minister assure that the Bill's definition of medical professionals will be tight enough to prevent any back-door get-out clauses for abusers?
Minister reply
The Department of Health and Social Care will define healthcare workers in consultation during pre-legislative scrutiny. Conversion practices are abuse and the Government stand against divisive, hateful politics targeting LGBT rights.
James Asser
Lab
Question
With this draft Bill being a significant milestone for legislative equality, how can we ensure that the voices of those who have been abused are heard and prioritised in discussions about conversion practices?
Minister reply
The Government will centre the experiences of survivors by listening to their stories and ensuring their voices are front and centre in shaping this legislation.
Kevin McKenna
Lab
Question
Considering protection for health professionals, how does the Bill address potential abuse against people who do not fit typical LGBT categories such as asexual individuals under pressure to engage in sexual activities?
Minister reply
Asexual people are included within the scope of the Bill since all forms of abuse should be addressed regardless of identity or context.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Question
How does the Minister confirm that the draft legislation will indeed protect trans individuals from conversion practices, addressing concerns raised by constituents about potential exclusions?
Minister reply
The Bill is fully trans-inclusive as abuse towards anyone is unacceptable and must be prevented.
Tim Roca
Lab
Question
While congratulating the Minister for bringing this draft legislation forward, how does she acknowledge Labour's role in progressing LGBT rights compared to previous Conservative promises that were not fulfilled?
Minister reply
Labour is proud of its record on LGBT rights and will continue to fight for legislative equality. This Government's commitment ensures that progress continues.
Steve Race
Lab
Question
The MP thanked the Minister for her determination and hard work in bringing forward the trans-inclusive conversion therapy ban, which was promised by Labour. He emphasised that conversion therapy is abuse with no consent allowed and questioned how the Bill would prevent such practices from being outsourced abroad.
Minister reply
Olivia Bailey thanked the MP for his support and agreed that people cannot consent to abuse. She mentioned a provision in the Bill specifically targeting individuals who take others abroad for abusive practices, thereby closing this potential loophole.
Question
The MP expressed gratitude towards the Minister and acknowledged her commitment at the Dispatch Box. He also mentioned former teaching colleagues' fears regarding section 28 and praised Labour for removing it, expressing pride in the proposed ban on conversion practices. The MP sought confirmation that this indicates a Labour Government's support for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Minister reply
Olivia Bailey thanked the MP for his allyship to the LGBT community and acknowledged him as a champion for his constituents. She confirmed that the Bill represents an important statement declaring it illegal to change, abuse or harm individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Shadow Comment
Mims Davies
Shadow Comment
The shadow spokesperson thanks the minister for her apology and acknowledges the principle that protecting people from harm is paramount, stating that current criminal law already addresses many forms of abuse. She questions the necessity, proportionality, and workability of new legislation, particularly regarding the evidence base supporting such measures. Concerns are raised about unintended consequences for families and parents, including a potential chilling effect on exploratory therapy for young people exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation. The shadow asks if exploratory therapy will be explicitly protected in the Bill alongside support for those detransitioning, and seeks clarification on how the proposed legislation will interact with existing safeguarding guidance, particularly regarding puberty blockers. She calls for a full public consultation alongside pre-legislative scrutiny to ensure all voices are heard. Finally, she challenges the minister to identify specific abusive conversion practices currently not covered by criminal law and to clarify any gaps in the current legal framework.
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