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.

Ben Letvin has capped off a standout period in his gymnastics career with a major achievement.

The University of Minnesota athlete helped lead his team to a conference championship while also securing the all-around title, Outsports reports.

It marks a significant moment for both the team and for Letvin individually.

His performance included strong results across multiple events, contributing to Minnesota’s overall victory.

The team’s win adds to its history within the GymACT league, a collegiate gymnastics competition that provides opportunities for athletes outside the NCAA system.

For Letvin, the achievement reflects a season of consistent progress and high-level competition.

He has also earned recognition throughout the year, including being named gymnast of the week following a strong showing at an all-star meet.

While the results themselves are notable, they are only part of the story.

Letvin is also part of a growing number of athletes competing openly as gay in men’s sports.

Visibility in this space remains limited, particularly in disciplines like gymnastics.

His presence therefore carries a broader significance beyond competition results.

He is also part of a close-knit group of gymnasts, including Charlie Larson and Jude Norris, who have built a following by sharing a more expressive and playful side of the sport.

The trio, who refer to themselves as the “Powerpuff Girls,” have connected with audiences by combining athletic performance with a sense of identity and community.

Their approach has resonated both within gymnastics and in the wider LGBTQ+ community.

For Letvin, these relationships appear to play an important role in his journey.

They represent a support system that allows him to compete at a high level while also being open about who he is.

This combination of performance and authenticity is still relatively rare in men’s sports.

Moments like this highlight how that balance is becoming more visible.

While the medals and titles reflect athletic success, they also point to something broader.

They show what it can look like when an athlete is able to succeed without separating their identity from their performance.

As the season continues toward nationals, Letvin’s results position him as one of the leading competitors in the field.

At the same time, his visibility continues to contribute to ongoing change within the sport.

For those watching, it offers both a result to celebrate and a perspective that extends beyond the competition floor.

📷 IG: @benletvin