Led by a UK Labour MP, the proposal has revived warnings that measures presented as protection could end up restricting open discussion around gender identity.
Led by a UK Labour MP, the proposal has revived warnings that measures presented as protection could end up restricting open discussion around gender identity.
Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, a human rights body separate from the EU, representing voters from 46 countries, will on Thursday vote on a resolution calling for a ban on ‘conversion practices’—a move that could open the door to criminal sanctions across the continent.
Under the text, introduced by UK Labour MP Kate Osborne—who believes that “some women have a penis”—conversion practices are defined broadly to include any psychological, behavioural, or religious efforts to change, repress, or suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
In Britain, where both Labour and Conservative governments have tried to outlaw ‘conversion therapy,’ the push has been contentious. Campaigners warn that banning transgender conversion therapy in particular—that is, therapy to preserve someone’s biological gender identity—could even criminalise legitimate conversations between parents and their own children.
The European Commission also late last year announced plans to “combat” conversion therapy, a move that has raised concerns among those who argue that open dialogue and psychological support are essential for individuals questioning their gender identity—especially before making irreversible medical or surgical decisions.
Ahead of the vote, international branches of the gender-critical LGB Alliance urged supporters to write to the Council of Europe to oppose the proposed ban.
The Sex Matters campaign group has also warned that the “shocking resolution” would “make it even harder to help children who are confused about their sex.”
Representatives of Britain’s Christian Concern also criticised the motion, saying it amounts to “a backdoor ban on ‘conversion practices’ and targeting of churches and Christian organisations across Council of Europe member states.”
However, campaigners have a tough fight ahead. Before the vote, Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, said he was “very encouraged” by the resolution.
Michael Curzon is a news writer for europeanconservative.com based in England’s Midlands. He is also Editor of Bournbrook Magazine, which he founded in 2019, and previously wrote for London’s Express Online. His Twitter handle is @MichaelCurzon_.
