Labour minister's draft conversion-practice bill widens definition of gender identity

On 25 June 2026 Bridget Phillipson released a brief conversion-practice draft bill comprising six clauses that broaden the legal meaning of "conversion practice" to cover efforts to alter a person’s gender identity. The proposal creates criminal liability for carrying out or encouraging such practices, with penalties of up to five years in prison and possible fines, and introduces a civil remedy that police chiefs or local authorities can pursue.

Phillipson, who became Labour Party chair on 27 July 2026, says the measure counters a Supreme Court decision and protects vulnerable youths, while opponents view it as a political gesture favouring trans activism. The bill references the Equality Act 2010, the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) as legal and medical frameworks. Similar conversion-practice initiatives are under consideration in Scotland and Northern Ireland, highlighting divergent approaches across the United Kingdom.