Northern Ireland Assembly passes Conversion Practices Bill

The Northern Ireland Assembly has passed the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill at its second stage, with 46 votes in favour, 29 against, and 15 abstentions. Introduced by Alliance Party Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA, the Private Member’s Bill will now move to detailed scrutiny.

Supporters, including Northern Ireland Humanists, have hailed the vote as a victory for LGBT+ rights. They argue the legislation is necessary to prevent harmful attempts to change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity, citing research that indicates such practices can cause intense psychological suffering.

Conversely, critics and legal experts expressed concerns during a Belfast panel co-hosted by the Free Speech Union and Genspect. Speakers argued that the Bill may not address any genuine gaps in existing criminal law, which already covers physical violence and false imprisonment. Concerns were also raised regarding the impact on freedom of speech and the potential for the legislation to interfere with private conversations between parents and children.