UK Evangelicals Raise Alarm Over Conversion Practices Bill

The UK Labour government introduced a draft Conversion Practices Bill in June 2026, setting off a sharp debate between LGBTQ+ advocates and evangelical Christians. The bill proposes unlimited fines and up to five years in prison for those convicted of abusive practices aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Evangelical organizations, including the Evangelical Alliance and Christian Concern, say the bill's definitions are too broad. They warn that routine pastoral counseling, prayer, and conversations between parents and children about gender and sexuality could be interpreted as "emotional pressure" or "abusive conversion practices."

Ed Shaw of the ministry Living Out said the fear of prosecution will discourage pastors and mentors from offering support to people struggling with their sexuality or gender. "The bill will effectively silence biblical teaching," he said.

Parents are also concerned. Critics argue that a parent who disagrees with a child's self-identification, or who limits a child's access to certain influences, could be accused of using coercive economic or emotional pressure.

The bill includes an exemption for "legitimate healthcare," but the Christian Medical Fellowship says the protection is weak. Mainstream clinical standards increasingly treat any attempt to change sexual orientation as inherently harmful, which could leave faith-based practitioners exposed.

Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute said the government has not provided real-world examples where existing laws failed to prosecute actual abuse. He argued the bill responds to activist pressure rather than a genuine legal gap.

Proponents, including Stonewall, called the bill "historic and long overdue." The government said it intends to protect "legitimate healthcare and therapy" as well as "open conversations and free speech." A joint parliamentary committee is reviewing the draft and gathering feedback from stakeholders.