PRESS RELEASE – The LGBTIQ+ Intergroup of the European Parliament welcomes Commission’s decision to act decisively on the European Citizen’s Initative (ECI) calling for a ban on conversion practices

The LGBTIQ+ Intergroup of the European Parliament strongly welcomes today’s European Commission’s decision to act decisively on the European Citizen’s Initiative (ECI) calling for a ban on conversion practices across the European Union.

Conversion practices, previously and misleadingly referred to as “conversion therapies”, are interventions aimed at changing, suppressing, or denying a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. These practices have been widely condemned by international human rights bodies, medical associations, psychologists and civil society organisations as harmful, discriminatory, and ineffective. In many cases, they may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

The decision by the European Commission to move forward with Recommendations marks an important step towards ensuring the protection of LGBTIQ+ people across the Union. ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map 2026, launched yesterday, shows the urgency of this step: only 8 EU countries – Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Spain – currently ban conversion practices, leaving millions of LGBTIQ+ people exposed to harm. At a time when fundamental rights are increasingly under pressure in several Member States, the Commission’s response sends a strong signal that the European Union will not tolerate practices that undermine human dignity and bodily autonomy. Even though Commission Recommendations are not legally binding, it is worth noting that this is the first legal act from the Commission that’s specifically focused on rights of LGBTIQ+ people.

Together with civil society organisations, the LGBTIQ+ Intergroup has long called on the Commission to develop strong and ambitious Recommendations that would guide Member States in adopting comprehensive bans.

MEP Marc Angel, Co-Chair of the LGBTIQ+ Intergroup, commented: “We are happy to see that the Commission listened to our call and the needs of the most vulnerable in our community, especially by including gender expression as one of the grounds of discrimination. We hope that many Member States take these Recommendations and implement them in their national policies.” He added: “This is an important moment for all those who have fought tirelessly for the recognition of the harm cause by conversion practices. The European Union must continue to stand on the side of human rights, dignity and equality for all.”

“Our call has been very clear: we are not sick and we do not need to be cured.” Said MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Co-Chair of the LGBTIQ+ Intergroup. “Hence, we welcome the Commission’s important step forward, following the amazing work done by ACT. The Commission is clear, and we look forward to seeing Member States follow-up to make sure that every person in our community can live free from fear, coercion, and abuse.”

The LGBTIQ+ Intergroup therefore calls on all Member States to take the forthcoming Commission Recommendations seriously and swiftly translate them into concrete national legislation. Protecting LGBTIQ+ people from harmful and degrading practices is not only a matter of equality, but a fundamental obligation under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The LGBTIQ+ Intergroup remains committed to working with the European Commission, Member States, and civil society to ensure that conversion practices are eradicated throughout the European Union and that survivors receive the recognition, protection, and support they deserve.