The European Parliament has voted in favour of banning so-called conversion therapy practices across the European Union.
The move represents a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights, although it does not yet create binding law, Pink News reports.
Instead, the vote sends a strong political signal to the European Commission, which holds the power to propose legislation that would apply across all member states.
If the Commission follows through, the result could be a comprehensive ban covering both minors and adults.
The decision follows a European Citizens’ Initiative that gathered more than one million signatures in support of outlawing conversion practices.
These practices are broadly defined as attempts to change, suppress, or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
They have been widely condemned by medical organisations and human rights groups, which say they lack any scientific basis and can cause significant psychological harm.
Despite this, conversion therapy continues to exist in various forms across Europe.
In some cases, it operates in informal or unregulated settings, making it difficult to monitor or prevent.
The European Parliament’s vote is therefore seen as an important milestone in addressing a long-standing issue.
It reflects growing recognition that stronger protections are needed at a regional level.
Several individual countries have already introduced bans, including Malta, Germany, and France.
However, laws vary widely between member states, leaving gaps in protection.
An EU-wide approach would aim to create more consistent standards across the region.
The vote also highlights a broader shift in how LGBTQ+ rights are being addressed within European institutions.
Rather than focusing solely on national legislation, there is increasing emphasis on coordinated action at the EU level.
Advocacy groups have welcomed the decision, describing it as a crucial step toward ending practices that they say have no place in modern society.
At the same time, they stress that further action is needed to translate political support into enforceable law.
The next phase will depend on whether the European Commission moves forward with a formal proposal.
If it does, the process would involve negotiations between EU institutions and member states before any legislation could be adopted.
While that process may take time, the Parliament’s vote has already set a clear direction.
It signals that the issue is no longer peripheral, but central to ongoing discussions about rights, health, and equality in Europe.