The Guardian reported Nov. 11 that Britain’s Conservative Party has withdrawn support for a draft ban on abusive conversion practices, prompting criticism from Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson over protections for LGBT+ people.
Phillipson said Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had “no interest in supporting LGBT+ people.” The Guardian reported that Badenoch supported the principle of a legal ban in 2021, when she served as equalities minister under previous Conservative governments.
A Conservative spokesperson told The Guardian the draft could deter frank, exploratory conversations with young people, referring to Keira Bell and discussions before surgery with lasting effects. The spokesperson said young people should receive clinical advice without pressure to reach a particular conclusion. The party’s stated concern is that the proposal could affect those discussions and advice.
The government published its draft Conversion Practices Bill on June 25, 2026. It applies to England and Wales and addresses abusive conduct intended to change a person’s sexual orientation or transgender identity. Clause 2 covers carrying out a conversion practice only when it is abusive and causes serious harm to physical or mental health, or serious alarm or distress substantially affecting usual day-to-day activities, the notes say.
For that offense, intent alone would not meet the test; the conduct must also satisfy the stated harm threshold. The government says the draft includes safeguards for legitimate health care and open conversations. It has shared the draft with Parliament for pre-legislative scrutiny, according to the government’s bill page.
