Draft bill to end conversion practices in England and Wales published at Westminster: what does this mean for Scotland?

June 25, 2026

LGBT+

The UK government has finally published a draft bill to end conversion practices in England and Wales. What does this mean for Scotland?

Draft bill published at Westminster

The long overdue publication of this draft bill marks an important step towards ending conversion practices in the UK. For far too long, LGBT+ people have been subject to practices that seek to change or suppress who they are. Conversion practices have caused profound and lasting harm to many LGBT+ people. Humanist Society has long campaigned to end conversion practices, and is a proud member of the UK-wide Ban Conversion Practices coalition.

It’s important to note that a draft bill is usually discussed for several months before it is formally introduced, and there is no absolute guarantee that will happen. Still, this is a huge stride forwards after years of waiting.

The palace of Westminster from across the river.

But what does this mean for Scotland?

The bill as drafted would only apply in England and Wales, but the SNP government has made clear in its election manifesto that it seeks to end conversion practices in the current parliamentary term, either through discussions with UK government to amend the Westminster bill, or through separate legislation.

The news from London makes it significantly more likely that conversion practices will also be ended in Scotland.

A Pride March in Scotland with a person in facepaint and colourful hat wearing a shirt reading "Scotia" in the foreground. In the background is a large banner reading "BELTANE FIRE SOCIETY".

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