UK moves to criminalise conversion practices with prison terms and unlimited fines

The UK government has unveiled a draft Conversion Practices Bill to criminalise abusive acts aimed at changing someone’s sexual orientation or transgender identity, creating two new offences (carrying out or encouraging such practices) with penalties including unlimited fines and up to five years in prison, plus Conversion Practice Protection Orders to shield at-risk individuals. The bill, applying to England and Wales, allows exemptions for legitimate healthcare and sets a high threshold for criminality. It will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny before moving through Parliament. Supporters say the law protects LGBT+ people from harm, while critics warn it could chill legitimate conversations or prayer.