Perpetrators of LGBTQ+ conversion practices could face prison and unlimited fines under new bill

Protesters calling for a total ban on conversion practices in London in July 2022. Photograph: Guy Bell/REX/Shutterstock View image in fullscreen Protesters calling for a total ban on conversion practices in London in July 2022. Photograph: Guy Bell/REX/Shutterstock Perpetrators of LGBTQ+ conversion practices could face prison and unlimited fines under new bill Government draft bill to ban abusive practices in England and Wales hailed as ‘historic’ by campaigners Perpetrators of “conversion therapy” against LGBTQ+ people could face up to five years in prison under proposals hailed as a “historic and long overdue” milestone by campaigners. The government has published its draft conversion practices bill, which would ban abusive practices that aim to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity in England and Wales. People found guilty of such abuse could face an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison. Simon Blake, the CEO of Stonewall, said it was a “historic and long overdue step forward on the journey towards LGBTQ+ equality”. He said: “LGBTQ+ people are not broken or in need of ‘fixing’. At a time when we’re seeing increased hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, this draft bill is crucial in creating a safer and more inclusive future .” It has been eight years since Theresa May first vowed to introduce anti-conversion practice legislation, but progress has been hampered by political dispute and U-turns. Boris Johnson’s government planned to scrap the ban entirely, before announcing it would go ahead with only sexual orientation – not gender identity – included. This caused a big backlash and forced the government to cancel its international LGBT conference . Opponents of the legislation say it could encroach on free speech and prayer, and prevent parents from discussing these issues openly with their children. The plans were delayed under successive prime ministers, but Labour said in its manifesto that it was committed to pushing ahead with a ban. The party said the criminal threshold under the new law would be “conduct that aims to change someone’s sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts that seriously harm the victim”. It also vowed that the legislation would include safeguards to protect “legitimate healthcare and therapy […] open conversations and free speech”. Dr Hilary Cass, the author of the Cass review into gender identity services for children, said: “It is important healthcare professionals providing much needed holistic care to young people feel confident they are able to do their job without fear of litigation, and the minister has kept that important issue in mind at the same time as the need to protect vulnerable young people.” The bill will also create a new civil conversion practice protection orderto pre-emptively support victims at risk of abuse – similar to protection orders for forced marriage and female genital mutilation. skip past newsletter promotion after newsletter promotion