On 13 May 2026, European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib delivered a speech at the Berlaymont building in Brussels, calling on all EU member states to ban conversion practices. The speech was the Commission's formal response to the European Citizens' Initiative 'Ban on conversion practices in the European Union', which gathered over one million signatures. Lahbib announced a Commission Recommendation urging member states to outlaw these practices, backed by awareness campaigns, improved access to justice, and training for medical and psychological support.
Lahbib recounted meeting victims of conversion practices in December 2025, including a woman she called Sarah, who described experiences of forced medication, verbal and physical violence, electric shocks, isolation, psychological harassment, and sexual abuse. The Commissioner stated that these practices are not therapy but violence disguised as care, leading to severe mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. She emphasised that one in four LGBTIQ+ people and almost half of transgender people in the EU report having suffered from such practices.
The Commissioner highlighted the role of Matteo, a 20-year-old, and his friends, who launched the citizens' initiative without funding or organisational backing, using social media and democratic tools to collect signatures across Europe. The initiative was submitted to the Commission in November 2025, triggering a six-month assessment period. Lahbib noted that eight member states have already banned conversion practices, and the Recommendation builds on that momentum.
the Recommendation will protect all LGBTIQ+ people, targeting practices that seek to change or suppress sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The Commission will support implementation through its Expert Group on LGBTIQ+ Equality, and the first LGBTIQ+ Policy Forum with civil society will focus on combating conversion practices. A dedicated study has been launched to understand the full scale and impact of these practices across the EU.
The speech did not propose binding legislation but a Recommendation, leaving member states to implement bans under their own legal frameworks. Lahbib committed to personally advocate with ministers across the Union to end the practices. The announcement comes ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 May, and marks thirty years since Brussels held its first Pride.
LGBTIQ+ individuals across the EU stand to benefit from increased legal protection and support services, though the non-binding nature of the Recommendation means implementation will vary by member state. National governments face pressure to legislate, with eight states already having bans in place; those without may face political and social costs if they delay. Civil society organisations advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights gain a strong signal from the Commission, which may bolster their campaigns. The recommendation imposes no direct costs on businesses, but medical and psychological professionals may need to adapt to new training and reporting requirements.