The European Commission has urged EU member states to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices, describing the procedures as barbaric in a new recommendation [1].
This move follows a significant push from civil society to establish a unified legal standard across the bloc. While the recommendation signals a strong stance from Brussels, it stops short of the binding legislative ban requested by activists.
The action comes after a citizens' initiative calling for an EU-wide ban gathered more than one million signatures [1]. This level of public mobilization pressured the Commission to address the issue of conversion practices, which seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib emphasized the urgency of the situation. "We call on all member states to act swiftly," Lahbib said [2].
Despite the rhetoric, the 2027 recommendation remains non-binding [2]. This means that individual EU countries retain the authority to decide whether to implement a legal ban or maintain their current policies. The Commission's approach relies on diplomatic pressure and shared guidelines rather than a centralized mandate, a distinction that may frustrate those seeking a mandatory directive.
The recommendation is set for 2027 [2]. It serves as a framework for member states to align their national laws with the goal of eliminating these practices across the European Union.
“The European Commission has urged EU member states to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices, describing the procedures as barbaric.”
The decision to issue a non-binding recommendation rather than a legislative directive reflects the complex balance of power within the EU. While the Commission is acknowledging a massive public mandate—evidenced by the million-signature initiative—it is avoiding a legal confrontation with member states that may resist centralized interference in national social policies. This approach shifts the burden of legislative action back to individual national governments.
