Revealed: How Labour conversion therapy ban could land company bosses in court

The draft Labour Conversion Practices Bill could expose companies and their directors to prosecution for abusive attempts to change someone’s sexuality or gender identity. The proposal has prompted concern from critics who say its scope could reach disputes over names and pronouns at work, while the Government says ordinary misgendering would not be covered.

Under the draft, an organisation found guilty could lead to personal liability for directors who failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the offence. Lawyer Dennis Kavanagh and campaigner Helen Joyce warned of risks for businesses; Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson said the law would require pressure to change, abusive conduct and resulting harm, and would not criminalise parents simply for saying a child cannot change sex.