Overview
- The government’s Draft Conversion Practices Bill, set out in Wednesday’s King’s Speech, would ban attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity in England and Wales.
- Officials say the measure targets abusive practices while protecting legitimate healthcare, exploration support, and freedom of religious belief.
- Ministers plan to publish the draft for scrutiny by MPs and peers so experts and stakeholders can test the wording before legislation is introduced.
- Opponents warn it could criminalise parents, clinicians or prayer, with Dr Hilary Cass saying a ban might scare doctors away from working with gender-questioning young people.
- The pledge follows repeated delays since Theresa May first promised action in 2018, and campaigners such as Stonewall are pressing for publication before Parliament’s summer recess.