TL;DR
- European Parliament votes to ban conversion therapy.
- Over 1.2 million signatures gathered for the petition.
- The Commission to outline next steps by May 18.
- Seven EU countries already have full bans.
- Proposal aims to protect LGBTQ individuals across Europe.
In a groundbreaking move, the European Parliament has voted to ban the abhorrent practice known as conversion therapy across the European Union. On April 29, 2026, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) rallied together, with a whopping 405 votes in favor of the proposal. This vote comes on the heels of a significant campaign organized by ACT (Against Conversion Therapy), which successfully gathered over 1.2 million signatures through the European Citizens’ Initiative – a formal mechanism allowing the public to push for new legislation. Talk about a win for LGBTQ rights!
Now, the European Commission must step up and respond by May 18, detailing its position on this vital issue. Will they take the proposal forward, or will they need more time for analysis? Fingers crossed they choose the former!
So, what exactly does this proposed EU-wide conversion therapy ban entail? The initiative calls for a strict prohibition on any practices aimed at changing or suppressing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s about time, right? Additionally, the proposal includes measures focused on prevention, enforcement, and support for those who have been affected by these harmful practices.
As it stands, the laws surrounding conversion therapy vary dramatically across Europe. Currently, seven countries have taken the bold step of implementing full bans: Belgium, Cyprus, France, Malta, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. Other nations have taken a more piecemeal approach; Greece introduced legislation in 2022 that bans the practice for minors, while Germany has a law from 2020 that prohibits conversion therapy for minors and for adults who have not given consent. It’s a mixed bag, but progress is being made!
The latest vote by the European Parliament puts the issue squarely back on the Commission’s agenda through this citizen-driven process. Under EU procedures, it’s the Commission that holds the power to propose legislation at a bloc-wide level. Any proposal would then need to clear the hurdles of approval from both the Parliament and EU member states before it can become law. So, while we’re not there yet, this is a crucial step forward for LGBTQ rights in Europe.
As we await the Commission’s next steps, it’s clear that the fight against conversion therapy is gaining momentum. This is a moment to celebrate, but also a reminder that we must continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of all LGBTQ individuals. Change is in the air, and we’re here for it!