Did King Charles III just announce a nationwide LGBTQ+ conversion therapy ban? The truth behind the viral claims
Reuters
King Charles III formally announced the UK government’s plans to introduce a draft ban on LGBTQIA+ conversion practices during the King’s Speech on May 14, reigniting a long-running national debate over conversion therapy laws.
The proposal, introduced as part of the Labour government’s legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session, would ban what officials described as “abusive conversion practices” aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
While the announcement quickly drew headlines claiming King Charles had personally banned conversion therapy, the monarch was reading legislation prepared by the government as part of the traditional State Opening of Parliament. The proposal is not yet law and remains at the draft bill stage pending further parliamentary review and scrutiny.
King Charles III has announced a ban on LGBTQIA+ conversion therapy and classified the practice as abusive. pic.twitter.com/iBbsKvgBmR
According to the government, the planned legislation is intended to target harmful and coercive practices while protecting legitimate healthcare conversations and support for individuals exploring questions around gender identity or sexuality.
The proposed law would apply to England and Wales only, as criminal law is devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The issue has remained politically contentious in the UK for years. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and campaigners have long argued that conversion therapy practices are psychologically damaging and should be outlawed nationwide.
Stonewall and other supporters welcomed the renewed commitment, though some activists noted that governments have repeatedly promised similar legislation since 2018 without fully implementing it.
Meanwhile, critics, including several religious and conservative organizations, warned that broadly written legislation could potentially impact voluntary counseling, pastoral conversations, and freedom of belief if safeguards are not clearly defined in the final bill.
The draft legislation is expected to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny before moving forward in Parliament.