European Parliament Votes to Ban Conversion Therapy Across the EU

 

Brussels, 2026 — In a landmark move for LGBTQ+ rights, the European Parliament has voted in favor of banning so-called “conversion therapy” practices across the European Union, marking a decisive step toward harmonizing protections for LGBTQ+ people across member states.

The vote follows mounting pressure from civil society and a successful European Citizens’ Initiative that gathered more than one million signatures calling for an EU-wide prohibition of conversion practices.

A decisive political signal

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) overwhelmingly backed the measure, urging the European Commission to introduce binding legislation that would criminalize conversion practices throughout the bloc. The vote reflects growing consensus within EU institutions that such practices constitute serious violations of human rights.

Conversion therapy—widely discredited by medical and psychological associations—refers to interventions that attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices have been described by international bodies, including the United Nations, as harmful and potentially amounting to torture.

From debate to action

The parliamentary vote builds on months of debate and public hearings triggered by the citizens’ initiative, which called for conversion practices to be classified as “euro-crimes” and for stronger protections for victims.

Although several EU countries—including France, Germany, and Spain—have already enacted national bans, the legal landscape remains fragmented, with some member states lacking clear prohibitions.The Parliament’s vote aims to close these gaps by establishing a unified legal framework.

Wider European momentum

The decision also aligns with broader developments across Europe. Earlier in 2026, the Council of Europe adopted a resolution urging all member states to outlaw conversion practices, signaling a continent-wide shift toward stronger protections.

Advocacy groups have welcomed the Parliament’s vote as a turning point. They argue that a binding EU ban would not only prevent abuse but also ensure access to support services and justice for survivors.

What happens next?

While the Parliament’s vote is a major milestone, the process is not yet complete. The European Commission must now draft concrete legislative proposals, which will require approval by EU member states before becoming law.

If enacted, the ban would represent one of the most comprehensive international efforts to eliminate conversion therapy, reinforcing the EU’s stated commitment to equality, dignity, and human rights for all citizens.

This vote sends a clear message: across Europe, there is “nothing to cure”—and no place for practices that attempt to deny people their identity.