The European Parliament has voted to ban conversion therapy, following a successful European Citizens’ Initiative that prompted the Parliament to take action. Since 2024, the ECI has gathered over 1.2 million signatures from EU citizens advocating for a ban on conversion therapy.
Before the vote, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a debate on the matter that led to the adoption of two opinions: one calling for stronger enforcement of the EU’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy for 2026–2030, and another advocating a ban on conversion therapy across the EU.
While seven member states, including France, Portugal, and Spain, have already banned conversion therapy, speakers at the EESC highlighted that the practice continues in some parts of the EU. During the debate, EESC President Séamus Boland said;
“These so-called conversion practices or therapies are not only damaging; they represent a profound violation of human dignity and fundamental rights. Let’s be clear: there is nothing that needs fixing or curing. The focus should be on transforming the systems and attitudes that deny people their inherent dignity.”
The decisive vote to ban conversion therapy will now be forwarded to the European Commission, which holds the authority to propose binding legislation.
EESC firmly rejects conversion practices, seen as hate crimes, and fully backs EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) placed fundamental rights, dignity and equality at the centre of its April plenary session, holding a high‑level debate on Union of Equality: Advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and banning conversion practices. The debate was followed by the adoption of two key EESC opinions calling for stronger enforcement of the EU’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 and a comprehensive EU‑wide ban on conversion practices. Read More.
Quotes from the rapporteurs/groups
‘Equality is not only a value, it is also a driver of competitiveness for Europe. The Union of Equality reminds us that talent, skills and ambition must be able to thrive without barriers. For EU employers, advancing equality is not just the right thing to do: it is essential to attracting talent, boosting innovation, improving performance and strengthening social cohesion across the Union.’
Sandra Parthie, President of the EESC Employers' Group
‘The EESC demands a ban on conversion practices and calls for them to be classified as hate crimes. We propose an awareness and education campaign to support victims and also to provide uniform protection throughout the Union to our citizens affected by these acts, which violate human dignity.’
Pascal Debay, rapporteur for SOC/854
‘Legislation alone is not enough: we also need education and support mechanisms and we need to raise awareness. This opinion is not just about protecting the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons: it is also about defending the integrity of our democratic societies.’
Ionuţ Sibian, co-rapporteur for SOC/854
‘At a time when EU values are under pressure, defending equality is more important than ever. LGBTIQ+ rights are fundamental rights for all Europeans. We must protect, implement and truly live them in all Member States. The LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030 is a key tool to turn this into reality.’
Juliane Marie Neiiendam, rapporteur for SOC/849
