EU urged to ban “harmful and dangerous” conversion therapy by Irish MEP

An Irish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has called on the European Union to introduce a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy, warning that the practice continues to harm LGBTQ+ people across Europe. 

Maria Walsh, who represents a large constituency in the west and north‑west of Ireland, issued the appeal after a Europe‑wide citizens’ initiative gathered more than 1.2 million signatures urging EU action. Walsh, who is openly lesbian, stressed that conversion therapy is far from a thing of the past and still poses serious risks to those subjected to it. 

She described the practice - attempts to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation - as “dangerous” and “harmful”, noting that LGBTQ+ people are still being pushed into these so‑called therapies “fuelled by hate and fear.”

Walsh also pointed out that while some EU countries have already banned conversion therapy, many others, including her own, have yet to implement legislation. She urged the European Commission and national governments to “send a clear message that attempts to erase or change who someone is have no place in our society.” 

Her call aligns with discussions in the European Parliament earlier this month, where lawmakers highlighted that conversion practices continue across Europe despite widespread condemnation by medical and human rights organisations. They warned that many LGBTQ+ people, particularly young people, remain vulnerable in countries without legal protections. 

In the UK, progress towards banning conversion practices has been slow and highly politicised. As of early 2026, conversion therapy remains legal, despite repeated government pledges dating back to 2018. Successive administrations announced intentions to legislate but failed to deliver, prompting frustration from campaigners and equalities organisations. 

Following the 2024 general election, the Labour government renewed the promise of a full, trans‑inclusive ban. The Equalities Minister confirmed in February 2026 that a Conversion Practices Bill will be brought forward during the current parliamentary session - the strongest signal yet that legislation may finally be on the way. However, the bill has not yet been published, and delays have been criticised as “dangerous” by LGBTQ+ groups who warn that each postponement leaves vulnerable people at continued risk.