King Charles III has announced the UK Government will try to ban conversion practices.
Each year, the reigning UK monarch opens Parliament with a speech previewing the Government’s agenda.
This year, the King confirmed a “draft bill to ban abusive conversion practices” will be brought forward.
It will seek to ban activities aimed at changing or suppressing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The current Government already introduced a bill to ban the practice in 2024, but it did not progress.
King's Speech
The King’s Speech is a ceremonial address delivered to members of Parliament, marking the formal start of a new parliamentary year.
The Government writes the speech for the King to read, outlining the legislation it plans to introduce and pass over the coming year.
The previous King’s Speech was delivered in 2024, shortly after the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, won Government.
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Conversion bill
The bill is aimed at criminalising conversion practices (sometimes known as conversion ‘therapy’), defined as activities intended to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
It seeks to ban individuals or organisations from offering, conducting, or receiving payment for the practices.
Under the draft bill, those convicted of the offence could face penalties of up to £5,000 ($AU9,300).
Reactions
Local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups noted this is the fourth time a King’s Speech has promised legislation to ban conversion practices, and the second time under the current Government.
In a joint statement responding to the speech, organisations ‘Ban Conversion Practices’ and Stonewall UK called for “an end to the empty promises,” saying “it’s time for decisive action.”
“Conversion practices continue to cause profound harm, there is no place for this abuse in the UK. This legislation has already been delayed for far too long,” the groups said.
