Tag: Office for Equality and Opportunity

The press release issued by the Office for Equality and Opportunity on 25 June 2026.

The government is banning abusive conversion practices in England and Wales to protect LGBT+ people from physical and psychological harm.

• Government publishes a draft bill that will deliver a landmark ban on abusive conversion practices in England and Wales. 
• Current legal loopholes leave victims at risk, and new legislation will fill gaps in the law to protect people from abhorrent abuse. 
• Proposed ban includes safeguards for legitimate healthcare and therapy, and robust thresholds that protect open conversations, and free speech.  

LGBT+ people will be protected from physical and psychological abuse to change who they are, as the government announces a landmark ban on abusive conversion practices in England and Wales, with the publication of the draft Conversion Practices Bill.

The proposed ban will set the criminal threshold for conversion practices as conduct that aims to change someone’s sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts that seriously harm the victim. 

These abhorrent practices are still happening today, with people being subjected to physical, sexual, economic and psychological abuse. Victims of conversion practices have recounted stories that range from beatings and rape to verbal threats, manipulation and exorcisms.  

Conversion practices are still happening in 2026 because of a series of legal loopholes that allow perpetrators to escape justice. Existing pieces of legislation that cover domestic violence, coercive control and communications offences do not adequately address the unique nature of abusive conversion practices, leaving a gap in the law that can be exploited. In addition, the lack of a legal definition of abusive conversion practices makes it challenging for police and prosecutors to act. The only way to tackle these problems is through this legislation.

The legislation will create the following criminal offences: 

• carrying out abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm, alarm or distress to the victim
• encouraging or assisting an abusive conversion practice performed outside England and Wales

It also creates new civil Conversion Practice Protection Orders and breach offences to support victims as well as those currently at risk of abuse. These will be similar to protection orders for forced marriage and female genital mutilation and will pre-emptively protect people.

Someone found guilty of conducting abusive conversion practices could face an unlimited fine, a custodial sentence of up to 5 years, or both. 

Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Equalities, said: 

Conversion practices are driven by the false belief that being LGBT+ is shameful and can be forcibly changed.

No-one should face abuse just because of who they are. That’s why we are delivering on our manifesto commitment to ban abusive conversion practices.

Legal loopholes have left LGBT+ people vulnerable to these harmful acts which is why we must legislate.

Dr Hilary Cass, author of the Cass Review, said: 

I am pleased to see that the government is bringing forward legislation which not only gives a clearer definition of what conversion practices are, compared to previous drafts, but also what they are not.

It is important that healthcare professionals providing much needed holistic care to young people feel confident that they are able to do their job without fear of litigation and the minister has kept that important issue in mind at the same time as the need to protect vulnerable young people.

I look forward to the pre legislative scrutiny process which will facilitate further constructive debate.

Jasmine O’Connor OBE, Co-CEO at Galop, said:

As LGBT+ anti-abuse experts, Galop frequently witnesses the devastating impacts caused by conversion practices. We know all too well how gaps in legislation have left LGBT+ people unprotected against covert and insidious forms of abuse, and we welcome this long-overdue legislation – it’s a vital first step toward addressing conversion practices as a distinct form of harm. As Galop’s latest research shows, conversion practices are happening today. This legislation is urgently needed, and we will keep working to inform the parliamentary process and ensure the ban protects LGBT+ people from all conversion practices.

Simon Blake, CEO at Stonewall, said:

People from the LGBTQ+ community are not broken or in need of ‘fixing’. That’s why I’m so pleased the government have published a draft bill to ban conversion practices that attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices are abuse, and every day without a ban in place leaves people at risk of serious harm.

This is testament to the hard work of campaigners and survivors who have bravely shared their stories and refused to give up. We look forward to continuing our work with sector partners, Parliament, and government to ensure the legislation is robust and effective.

Saba Ali, Chair at the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, said:

No one should ever be told they can’t be who they are, or love who they love. LGBTQ+ identities are beautiful, diverse, and should be celebrated, and yet attempts to change and suppress them are still happening across the UK, causing profound suffering.

Today’s announcement of the publication of draft legislation to ban conversion practices is a significant and welcome step forward, but it is also long overdue. The coalition look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure the legislation delivers the comprehensive protections all LGBTQ+ people deserve.

This moment belongs to a movement. Over eighty coalition organisations, countless survivors, clinicians, faith leaders, Parliamentarians and campaigners have refused to let this be forgotten. Today proves what we achieve when we stand together.

Professor Subodh Dave, President of Royal College at Psychiatrists, said:  

The College have long called for a ban to these harmful practices and we strongly support the publication of this draft Bill.

We welcome the pre-legislative approach that will help ensure the Bill works in practice. It is important that in protecting people from these unacceptable practices, this legislation also supports healthcare professionals to continue to have appropriate exploratory conversations with their patients.

Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, said:

Subjecting a family member or partner to harm or coercing them to change who they are is domestic abuse and it must be stopped. I’m pleased to see this draft Bill brought forward so we can finally ban these deeply harmful practices, which have damaged too many people’s lives. I look forward to continuing to work with Ministers, as this legislation progresses to ensure it delivers the much-needed protections for all LGBT+ victims and survivors.

The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Church of England, said: 

I welcome the publication of this draft Bill as a positive step towards banning conversion practices. These have harmed LGBT people over many years, leaving many with lifelong trauma. This work is long overdue, and comes after the General Synod of the Church of England voted, by a very large majority, in favour of the Government bringing forward a ban in 2017. I am pleased that this will bring an opportunity for consultation and scrutiny, so that substantial progress can at last be made.

The draft legislation is clear that the government is not seeking to criminalise expressing beliefs about LGBT+ identities, nor is it seeking to ban explorative conversations and questioning about someone’s identity. That is why a high threshold for criminality has been included, so that only the acts that are abusive, seeking to change someone’s identity, and create real harm to the person, will be in scope. 

The proposed ban includes exemptions for legitimate healthcare. This ensures that healthcare professionals, therapists and counsellors can be confident that they can continue their work to support patients and have free and open conversations about sexuality and transgender identity. 

Our proposed ban aligns with international best practices by being trans-inclusive, protecting individuals from harm, and including a custodial sentence for perpetrators. Through targeting abusive conduct intended to change someone’s identity, the offence mirrors parts of New Zealand’s approach while remaining tailored to the UK legal framework. 

The government has recognised that this is a complex legal area and is seeking to build a genuine consensus around a ban. That is why the draft bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny to give opportunity to draw on the expertise and insight of a range of parliamentarians and stakeholders, ensuring that a ban is as effective as possible in the long term. 

Today’s draft bill is the latest action taken by the government to tackle abuse against the LGBT+ community and comes after legislation passed in spring equalised hate crime protections for LGBT+ people.

The government has also taken further action to fulfil its commitments to the LGBT+ community, including: 

• righting the historic wrongs committed against LGBT veterans 
• publishing a HIV Action Plan to end new transmissions by 2030
• investing £21 million in global LGBT+ rights

The press release issued by the Office for Equality and Opportunity on 19 May 2026.

UK to serve as host nation for the European International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT+) Forum in London in May 2027.

• London is set to become the global stage for progress on LGBT+ rights, with the UK announced as next host of the European International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT+) Forum in 2027.
• Lord Collins of Highbury, government spokesperson for equalities, is in Copenhagen for this year’s forum and is scheduled to formally accept the UK as next year’s host nation.
• The UK announces a funding package of £21 million to advance global LGBT+ rights through civil society partnerships.

For the first time, the UK, in partnership with the Council of Europe, will serve as the host nation for the European IDAHOT+ Forum in London in May 2027. The forum will convene governments, civil society organisations, policymakers, and advocates from across Europe, turning London into a focal point for international co-operation and progress on LGBT+ equality.

Breaking down barriers to opportunity is a key priority for this government, and hosting the forum in London will strengthen the UK’s position as a leading international voice for equality, inclusion, and opportunity for all across Europe and beyond.

The UK has been a consistent and active participant in the European IDAHOT+ Forum since the forum’s inception in 2013, reflecting a long-standing commitment to advancing LGBT+ equality. Representatives from the UK government, including the Minister for Equalities, are attending this year’s forum in Copenhagen, Denmark.

In addition to being selected as next year’s host nation, the government has today announced funding to advance international LGBT+ equality. By combining this funding with diplomatic action, the programme aims to establish human-rights-compliant legal frameworks and resilient local movements globally to ensure that LGBT+ people everywhere can live lives that are equal, safe, and free.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights, Chris Elmore MP, said: 

This investment reaffirms the UK’s commitment to defending the human rights and freedoms of all people, including those who are LGBT+.  

We will continue to work in partnership – using our diplomatic influence and development expertise – to help ensure that everyone, everywhere can live their lives without fear of violence, persecution or discrimination.

Lord Collins of Highbury, government spokesperson for equalities, said: 

As I attend this year’s forum in Copenhagen, I welcome the growing momentum behind LGBT+ equality. The UK is proud to build on that momentum by unveiling a new funding package to support civil society partnerships and advance LGBT+ equality worldwide. 

Alongside this new funding, hosting next year’s European IDAHOT+ Forum represents a major opportunity for the UK. It will bring together the continent’s expertise, lived experience, and leadership to drive action at scale and reflects our commitment to international leadership on LGBT+ equality.  

We look forward to welcoming our international partners to next year’s event in London.

The government has made substantial progress in improving the welfare and safety of LGBT+ individuals across the UK. This has been demonstrated through making anti-LGBT+ hate crimes an aggravated offence under the Crime and Policing Act, providing £0.5 million funding for specialist LGBT+ domestic abuse services, and continuing work to implement a full, trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.

Notes to editors

The European IDAHOT+ Forum is one of the major European annual events that brings together member states of the Council of Europe, government representatives, policy makers, experts, and academics, as well as representatives from national and international organisations. As the main state-organised European LGBT+ conference, it primarily aims to promote co-operation between governments but also between governments and civil society organisations.

The UK’s £21 million funding commitment is designed to address the root causes of violence, persecution and exclusion faced by LGBT+ people globally. This approach aligns with the UK Strategic Framework on International LGBT+ Rights (2026 to 2029). The amount is £21 million over 3 years (2026 to 2029) – £19.5 million ODA (official development assistance), and £1.5 million non‑ODA.

The press release issued by the Office for Equality and Opportunity on 9 June 2025.

A new steering group will support disabled candidates in elections, advising on a fund for disability-related expenses to level the playing field.

• New Access to Elected Office Steering Group set up to support disabled candidates to enter elected office.
• The group will use their lived experience to ensure disabled people’s views and voices are at the heart of decision making.
• Cross-party members to work closely with the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, to boost representation of disabled people in future elections.

Disabled people will be better supported to compete on a level playing field in gaining access to elected office through a new steering group and fund to support with the disability-related expenses that they might face.

The fund will help break down barriers for disabled candidates and be developed with support from a new government steering group who will advise the government on how to boost opportunity for disabled people in seeking to enter elected office.

Drawing on their lived experience of disability, accessing funding or standing for elected office, members will work with the Minister for Social Security and Disability to ensure the fund is effective in increasing disability representation in future elections.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said:

We want to ensure that disabled people have the right support to pursue a rewarding career in elected office.

I look forward to working with the new steering group to develop a fund which makes sure that having a disability is not a barrier to success in political life, and that disabled people’s views and voices are at the heart of our efforts to achieve this.

The minister will also engage with MPs with a specialist interest in supporting disabled candidates, gathering insights which will further inform the fund and efforts to maximise its uptake.

The steering group will take learnings from the government’s previous Access to Elected Office Fund and Enable Fund, which similarly helped cover the costs of disability-related expenses – including transport support for mobility impaired candidates and the provision of accessible formats and British Sign Language interpretation.

It follows wider efforts to support disabled people to thrive in work – such as our consultation on mandatory disability pay gap reporting, which will inform how government tackles the gap and puts more money in disabled people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

The press release issued by the Office for Equality and Opportunity on 5 June 2025.

• Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson announced as the government’s preferred candidate for the next Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
• Preferred candidate to appear in front of 2 Parliamentary committees – Women and Equalities Select Committee (WESC) and the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JHCR) – ahead of appointment confirmation.
• Current chair Baroness Falkner’s term is due to end on 30 November 2025.

The government’s preferred candidate for the new chair of the independent Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has been identified as Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson. This follows a full and open competition to recruit a new chair, in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

The current chair Baroness Kishwer Falkner’s term is due to end on 30 November 2025, after being extended an additional year to provide stability while a full recruitment campaign was undertaken.

Dr Stephenson will appear before WESC and JCHR as part of pre-appointment hearings. The committees will provide advice to ministers before she is formally appointed.

The appointment of Dr Stephenson will not impact the timelines or process for the updated statutory code of practice for services currently being developed by the EHRC.

Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson said:

This government is clear that equality and opportunity are at the heart of our programme of national renewal.

With the depth of her expertise in human rights and equality, Dr Stephenson is exceptionally suited to leading the EHRC and ensuring it continues to uphold the equalities framework in this country.

I want to thank Baroness Falkner for her continued work throughout this time.

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson said:

I am honoured to be named the Government’s preferred candidate to be the new chair for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The EHRC plays an integral role in protecting and advancing equalities and I am deeply committed to furthering this work as chair. With over 30 years working on equalities and human rights, I am confident that I will bring a breadth of experience and insight to the role.

I look forward to working with the team in the EHRC as well as stakeholders and the government to ensure equalities are upheld and all people are treated with respect and dignity.

The government is committed to ensuring that people of all backgrounds can thrive. The EHRC plays a vital role in upholding and promoting equality and human rights across England and Wales.

The EHRC is independent of the government and makes its own enforcement decisions, including about any inquiries and investigations it decides to conduct.

The EHRC has launched a consultation on its updated draft statutory code of practice for services, public functions and associations. This opened on 20 May and will close on 30 June. The final draft code will be sent to ministers for approval before laying in Parliament.

Notes to editors

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson has 30 years of experience working on equality and human rights issues within the UK and internationally, over 20 of these at Board and CEO level. She also holds a PhD in equality law.

Positions she has held include:

• Director of the Women’s Budget Group
• Director of the Fawcett Society
• Chair of Early Education and Childcare Coalition
• Board member of Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC)
• Board member of Coventry Police and Crime Board