EU Commission calls for a ban on ‘conversion therapies’

The European Commission intends to present a recommendation to EU member states calling for a ban on so-called conversion therapy.

This move by the Brussels-based authority comes in response to a European Citizens’ Initiative backed by more than 1.1 million supporters, which called on the commission in particular to introduce an EU-wide, legally binding ban.

The practices aim to dissuade people from their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The commission intends to adopt the recommendation – which is not binding on member states – next year.

The responsibility lies primarily with the member states, said Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality. They must put an end to these harmful practices, she said.

According to the commission’s statement, these interventions are based on the false notion that LGBTIQ+ people are ill, and can cause long-term psychological and physical harm.

“There is nothing to cure in LGBTIQ+ people,” Lahbib said. “What they need is freedom, protection, and safety. We will not let you down.”

In Germany, practices aimed at the supposed “cure” of homosexuality and transsexuality in children and young people have been banned since 2020. Such measures are permitted on adults under certain circumstances.

Legal bans exist in seven other EU countries: Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Cyprus, Malta and Portugal, according to the commission.