ALBAWABA- King Charles III announced that the UK government will bring forward a Draft Conversion Practices Bill to ban abusive conversion practices in England and Wales, as part of the legislative programme outlined in the State Opening of Parliament.
In the King’s Speech, Charles said: “My government will bring forward a draft bill to ban abusive conversion practices.” The government has described such practices as abusive and reaffirmed its commitment to a trans-inclusive ban, in line with Labour’s 2024 election manifesto. The draft legislation will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny before being formally introduced to Parliament.
The announcement is part of the government’s wider policy agenda set out during the State Opening of Parliament, a constitutional event in which the monarch delivers the government’s programme. The speech reflects government priorities rather than the personal views of the monarch.
Officials said the proposed law aims to prohibit practices intended to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, while maintaining protections for legitimate religious expression, counselling, and medical care.
The move revives a long-debated issue in UK politics. Conversion practices have been widely condemned by medical organisations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and human rights bodies as harmful and ineffective, with repeated calls for a comprehensive ban.
Previous attempts under earlier Conservative governments stalled amid disagreements over scope, particularly regarding transgender protections and concerns raised by religious and free speech advocates.
Campaigners welcomed the renewed commitment but urged the government to ensure the legislation is broad enough to close potential loopholes and deliver meaningful protection. Critics, however, warned that poorly defined provisions could risk criminalising pastoral conversations or consensual discussions.
The proposed bill follows similar legislative efforts in other countries and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, with further details expected to emerge during parliamentary scrutiny in the coming months.
