Malta, France, Germany, New Zealand, UK — covering both orientation & gender identity
UK DEBATE BEGAN
2018
LGBT Action Plan first promised a ban under Theresa May
SCOPE OF UK BAN
Dual
Covers both sexual orientation AND gender identity — broader than prior Conservative proposals
LEGAL GAP CLOSED
Equality Act 2010
Provided general protections but never addressed conversion practices specifically
Key Data
Eight countries have enacted comprehensive bans covering both sexual orientation and gender identity. The UK joins this group in 2026, eight years after the first government promise.
MALTA2016
First country in Europe to ban conversion therapy comprehensively.
GERMANY2020
Covers minors and vulnerable adults; fines and imprisonment.
FRANCE2022
Criminal penalties of up to two years imprisonment.
Federal Criminal Code amendment; up to five years imprisonment.
AUSTRALIA2023
Federal legislation passed 2023 following earlier state-level bans.
SPAIN2023
Trans Law enacted March 2023 includes conversion therapy prohibition.
UNITED KINGDOM2026
Joins peer nations after an eight-year legislative journey; Labour government's dual-scope bill.
CONTEXT & QUESTIONS
DATA NOTE — Country scope data reflects national-level legislation only. Subnational bans (US states, Australian states prior to federal action) are not included in the comprehensive count. Timeline events are sourced from official UK government records, parliamentary proceedings, and UN documentation.