LGBT+ charities in Scotland call for tougher conversion therapy ban

A coalition of LGBT+ charities is pressing Scottish ministers to 'urgently' introduce a comprehensive conversion therapy ban.

Conversion therapies are any treatments, practices, or services aiming to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, potentially involving coercive tactics or violence.

The call comes in the wake of the release of a Draft Bill in England and Wales and a private member’s bill in Northern Ireland, aiming to outlaw these practices.

However, Scottish LGBTQ+ charities claim that this Draft Bill it doesn't go far enough, with concerns some unregulated therapists could still get around it.

This all comes as the Scottish Government dropped their commitment to a similar bill in 2024, citing interest in a UK-wide approach instead.

"I don't think a poor law is better than no law"

One of the charities calling for more stringent rules to be laid out north of the border is the Equality Network, which is based in Edinburgh, and has been speaking to Hits Radio Pride.

Carrie Lyell is the organisation's Strategic Campaigns and Partnership Coordinator, and said: "The UK Government's Draft Bill on banning conversion practices in England and Wales is really positive news, and it's been a long time coming.

"However, we and others in Scotland believe that, as it stands, it fails to cover all forms of conversion practices, and wouldn't adequately protect people from harm.

"It's hard to understand what forms of conversion practices this Bill in its current form would catch, and we know that it's a draft, but as it is, we don't support it coming to Scotland.

"The Scottish Government has done a lot of work to go ahead and do its own Bill, and the draft they published in 2024 was really strong.

"As it stands, that would be quite a world-leading, comprehensive ban on conversion practices, which is an opportunity to show a bit of leadership on here.

"One of things the Scottish draft does is that it's much more holistic - it's not just about the criminal aspect, but explores education and support services, too.

"It would end the practice for good, and make sure as many people as possible are protected in the future.

"And I don't think that a poor law is better than no law.

"I would like to see a courage of conviction here for the Government to push for something stronger."

The Scottish Government response

Last year, the Scottish Government revealed the details of a consultation, which uncovered a level of division on plans to end conversion practices in the country.

Published on 7th October 2025, the report elaborates on the responses concerning the intention to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and whether suppression should be included in the legislation.

A small majority of 54% did not support the approach focused on behaviour motivated by the intention to change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity.

Among organisations, 65% opposed the approach, particularly campaign groups, faith bodies, and women's groups.

The inclusion of suppression in the proposed legislation also faced opposition, with 52% of respondents and 62% of organisations voting against it.

Concerns highlighted include potential impacts on religious freedoms, parental rights, and the clarity of definitions used within the proposed legislation.

Calls for further clarity on suppression and its practical implications were prevalent among respondents.

Support for the approach centred on preventing harm associated with conversion practices and ensuring protections for all LGBTQI+ individuals.

The analysis of responses showcases varying perspectives and the need for careful consideration in the formulation of laws tackling conversion practices in Scotland.

Minister for Equalities Simita Kumar told Hits Radio Pride: “We remain absolutely committed to ending these abusive practices in Scotland.

“I met with the UK Government Minister responsible recently to discuss their draft Bill. We welcome the publication of their Bill and are now carefully considering their proposals.”

A Government spokesperson said: “An abusive conversation practice would never be legitimate healthcare. Perpetrators will not be able to hide behind this exemption, which exists only to protect legitimate support.

“Our Conversion Practices ban aligns with international best practices by being trans-inclusive, protecting people from harm, and including a custodial sentence.

“We are engaging with Devolved Governments on how we can work together to ban conversion practices across the UK.”

You can read more about the call for the Scottish Government to implement a 'comprehensive' end to conversion therapy here.

You can find out more about the work of the Equality Network here.

You can read the Draft Bill for England and Wales in full here.

There's plenty of support and advice on the Conversion Therapy Support Service website.

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