The Council of Europe has voted to pass a trans-inclusive ban on so-called conversion therapy, despite strong anti-trans lobbying efforts. The human rights body, separate from the European Union, approved a resolution introduced by UK Labour MP Kate Osborne calling for the abusive practices to be banned across its 26 member states. So-called conversion practices involve physical or psychological abuse aimed at changing a person’s sexuality or gender identity — something experts say is impossible.
These practices are often linked to conservative religious groups and can include extreme methods like shock therapy. Seventy-one members voted in favor, with 26 against and two abstentions. Osborne wrote, “Conversion practices have no scientific basis and have harmful consequences on the individuals,” warning that they increase depression, PTSD, and suicide risk. The ban passed despite opposition from Sex Matters. The Good Law Project called the vote a major win.
