The government has confirmed that a draft bill banning gay conversion practices will be published before the end of the current parliamentary session next spring, following years of delay and political division.
The proposed Conversion Therapy Prohibition Bill would outlaw practices intended to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Ministers say the legislation will recognise conversion practices as abusive, while carving out protections for legitimate psychological support and respecting the roles of parents, teachers and religious leaders.
Debate around the bill has been shaped by concerns over freedom of expression, education, ethics and religion. Divisions within Christian communities have been particularly pronounced, with some faith groups arguing that the legislation could restrict religious teaching or pastoral support.
Simon Burrows, a former member of the Christian charity Living Out, told Sky News that his experience with the group contributed to severe mental distress. He said the charity’s promotion of abstinence or heterosexual marriage for LGBT Christians felt like a form of conversion practice and left him feeling trapped, isolated and fearful of spiritual punishment.
Living Out defines its work as support for people seeking to align their sexuality with conservative Christian beliefs. Its ministry director, Ed Shaw, said the organisation follows biblical teachings that define marriage as between a man and a woman and warned that the proposed law could prevent faith groups from supporting individuals who choose to live according to those convictions.
The government said the bill will strike a balance, ensuring abusive practices are banned without criminalising consensual religious or therapeutic conversations. A spokesperson reiterated that conversion practices have no place in society and confirmed the legislation is a priority outlined in the King’s Speech.
LGBT advocacy groups have criticised the prolonged delay. Saba Ali, interim chair of the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition, said seven years of unmet commitments have left people exposed to ongoing harm and called for immediate action.
Supporters of the ban argue it is necessary to protect LGBT people, particularly young people of faith, from coercion and psychological damage. Critics warn poorly defined legislation could undermine religious freedom. The draft bill is expected to bring these tensions into sharp focus when published.
