EU won't impose bloc-wide ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy

The European Union said on May 13 it will not directly ban so-called LGBTQ conversion therapy across the bloc, and will instead ask member states to act at national level. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said conversion therapy has no place in the EU, as Brussels responded to calls for tougher action. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

The commission said it will issue a recommendation next year urging member states to adopt bans. Eight of the EU's 27 member states already prohibit conversion therapy. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

The issue drew wider public pressure last May, when more than 1 million people signed a petition calling on the EU to outlaw conversion practices. Reports said the EU lacks the legal authority to impose a direct ban and that such powers rest with member states. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

The commission's next step is to publish its recommendation next year and press the remaining member states to follow countries that already have bans in place. ^{[1, 2, 3]}