The European Commission has announced plans to collaborate with member states to end so-called “conversion practices” for LGBTQI+ citizens—a move that Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib says is part of the 2026–2030 LGBTQI+ strategy.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 8th, Lahbib stated that “conversion practices are not therapies. They are harmful, can cause physical and mental health issues, and above all, violate personal dignity.” She added that one in four LGBT individuals have been subjected to such practices, which may include “physical or sexual violence, verbal abuse, and humiliation.”
However, the Commission’s initiative has raised concerns among those who see open dialogue and psychological support as essential for individuals questioning their gender identity, especially before making irreversible medical or surgical decisions. In many cases, such conversations are seen as a way to explore complex feelings safely and thoughtfully, without coercion in any direction.
The term ‘conversion therapy’ refers to practices aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. According to the Commission, these practices claim to “convert gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals into heterosexuals, and transgender or gender-diverse individuals into cisgender individuals.”
Yet, in several EU countries, legal gender recognition still requires medical or surgical interventions—meaning that those seeking to understand or delay such steps may find themselves with fewer options for professional discussion if a broad ban is implemented.
The Commission’s strategic document claims “conversion practices are deeply harmful interventions that rely on the medically false idea that LGBT[IQ+] people are sick, inflicting severe pain and suffering, and resulting in long-lasting psychological and physical damage.” A 2024 report by British pediatrician Hillary Cass, however, came to the conclusion that children who identify as ‘transgender’ often suffer from another mental illness. This means they may actually be sick and suffering from conditions that could be treated—given access to the right care.
While the document does not state an outright ban, there is a strong sentiment suggesting what Brussels has in mind. The Commission stated they would conduct a study “analyzing the nature, prevalence and impact of these practices.” Based on the results, the EU pledges to combat “harmful practices,” a process that they would force the member states to take part in.
It is unclear if the investigation will include the potential harm a ban on conversion therapy could cause. The strategic document does not mention official data on how many trans people are trying to transition back to their original gender after causing irreversible changes to their bodies. Banning conversation and medical help for these people will automatically push vulnerable people into making bad decisions.
A European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) gathering over 1.2 million signatures has urged the Commission to propose an EU-wide prohibition on conversion therapy. The petition is expected to reach Lahbib’s office in the coming weeks.
