France’s parliament voted to ban so-called “conversion therapy”, joining countries that have taken steps to outlaw practices that seek to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Conversion therapy” is the widely-used term used to describe practices attempting to change, suppress or divert one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. It is also called reorientation therapy, reparative therapy, reintegrative therapy, or, more recently, support for unwanted same-sex attraction or transgender identities.
Under the French legislation, people offering LGBTQIA “conversion therapy” could be jailed for up to two years and fined 30,000 euros ($33,810). There are tougher sentences if the involved are under 18 years old or vulnerable adults.
The bill now needs to be signed by French President Emmanuel Macron before becoming law.