European Commission Pushes EU Nations to Ban Gay Conversion Therapy

The European Commission has announced plans to push all European Union member states to outlaw conversion therapy , describing the practice as abusive, scientifically discredited, and incompatible with the bloc’s commitment to equality and human rights.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “conversion practices” have “no place in our Union” as the EU responded to a citizens’ initiative backed by more than 1.1 million people demanding a Europe-wide ban. The campaign, coordinated by LGBTQ+ organisations across Europe, called for binding legislation against practices aimed at changing or suppressing a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression .

However, the Commission stopped short of proposing an immediate EU-wide law. Instead, it said it intends to issue a Commission recommendation in 2027 urging member states to introduce national bans and strengthen protections for victims. Officials said the recommendation will be supported through cooperation with governments, awareness campaigns, and improved medical, legal, and psychological support services.

According to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, around one in four LGBTQ+ people surveyed in 2024 reported experiencing conversion practices, including verbal abuse, humiliation, violence, forced medication, and psychological coercion. The figure was even higher among transgender people. Cases were reported most frequently in Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Slovakia.

European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib strongly condemned the practice, saying LGBTQ+ people do not need to be “fixed” or “cured.” She described conversion therapy as “violence disguised as care” and cited testimonies from victims who reported depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts after undergoing such practices.

Currently, only about 10 of the EU’s 27 member states have fully or partially banned conversion therapy. Malta became the first EU nation to outlaw the practice in 2016, while France later introduced penalties including jail terms and fines for offenders.

The announcement comes just days before Brussels hosts its 30th annual Pride parade and ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on May 17. Tens of thousands are expected to participate in events supporting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion across Europe.