Lawyers warn draft conversion bill could leave schools unclear on pronouns

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell warn that Labour’s draft Conversion Practices Bill could leave schools uncertain about whether refusing a pupil’s preferred pronouns or applying sex-based rules for facilities might be treated as an offence. The warning matters because the proposed law carries criminal penalties, while schools also have safeguarding responsibilities.

The bill would prohibit abusive attempts to change a person’s sexuality or gender identity, with potential sentences of up to five years and unlimited fines. Irwin Mitchell says the draft leaves unclear whether pupils who refuse to use a classmate’s pronouns, or schools that allocate toilets and changing rooms by biological sex, could face legal consequences; it also says organisations and potentially directors could be liable. The Conservatives called for clarity, while the Government said following statutory safeguarding guidance would not fall within the bill.