Parents who try to stop their children from having conversion therapy risk being prosecuted under new Labour law

By MARTIN BECKFORD, POLICY EDITOR Published: 23:06, 25 June 2026 | Updated: 23:06, 25 June 2026 Parents risk prosecution for trying to stop their children having gender treatment under a new Labour law, MPs and campaigners fear. The conversion therapy ban means those convicted of trying to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity could be jailed for five years.  People suspected of abusive practices also face being hit by Conversion Practice Protection Orders, which can be applied for by councils to protect those deemed at risk. Ministers insist only abusive acts that cause 'serious harm, alarm or distress' will be covered – but said there would be no exemption for parents. It has prompted concerns that the law will criminalise parents for trying to talk to children about their desire to identify as the opposite sex or undergo gender treatment, such as taking puberty blockers and having surgery.  Counsellors and priests could also fall foul of the legislation, it is feared. Opponents pointed out that the conversion practices highlighted by the Government – such as electroshock treatment and 'corrective' sexual assault – are already illegal. Tory women's spokesman Mims Davies said there was concern that 'broadly drafted provisions could have a chilling effect on those acting in good faith'.  Conservative MP Rebecca Paul asked: 'If a child wants to participate in the [puberty blockers] clinical trial, if parents don't consent will that be an abusive conversion practice?' The Bayswater Support Group, for parents of trans or non-binary children, said: 'Accusations of psychological or emotional abuse are rife when it comes to transgender identity. If this bill becomes effective, parents will fear accusations could escalate into a threat of criminal offence.' Published on Thursday, the draft bill will now be scrutinised by MPs. Parents risk prosecution for trying to stop their children having gender treatment under a new Labour law  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.