Ending conversion practices in Scotland - consultation analysis: SG response

Ministerial foreword

The Scottish Government is clear about the need to end conversion practices in Scotland. They are harmful, discriminatory and have no place in our society.

I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who responded to the consultation and to those who engaged with us throughout the consultation process. Consultation is a vital part of the policy-making process which allows the public to give their views on proposals. It is clear from the high volume of responses we received that this is an area of interest for many people and your responses have provided me with valuable insight.

I offer particular thanks to the survivors of conversion practices who bravely shared their testimonies and experiences with us as part of this consultation process. It is vital that your voices are heard to ensure that learning and action can be taken in order to prevent conversion practices from occurring and to respond when they have taken place.

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight that support is available to anyone affected by conversion practices. The Scottish Government continues to provide funding to LGBT Health and Wellbeing to provide a helpline for survivors. More information about this helpline is available on their website: Conversion practices support – LGBT Health and Wellbeing.

Having reflected on the independent expert analysis of the consultation responses, we remain of the opinion that there is no credible evidence that it is possible to force a person to change their sexual orientation or gender identity through the provision of conversion practices. Such practices are therefore both ineffective and harmful. Evidence indicates that in the most severe cases these harms can result in victims dying by suicide. It is deeply concerning that anyone should experience such distress and we remain committed to addressing these issues to prevent further harm.

We appreciate that a number of respondents voiced concerns about how proposals may impact their existing rights and day to day activities. I hope to provide reassurance by reiterating that the core intention of introducing legislation to end conversion practices is to protect vulnerable people from harm, not to affect anyone’s ability to parent their child or right to practice their religion. We want to reassure that as we progress with the development of a Scottish Government Bill, we remain committed to safeguarding parental and religious rights.

As detailed in our 2025-2026 Programme for Government, published in May 2025, the Scottish Government remains committed to ending conversion practices in Scotland. We will continue to engage with the UK Government to pursue a Bill covering England, Wales and Scotland. However, if this approach cannot be agreed, then we commit to publishing our own Bill in Year 1 of the next Parliamentary session.

As we engage with the UK Government, we will also continue to develop non-legislative, community-based work to raise awareness and understanding about this deeply troubling issue, and to provide support to survivors of conversion practices.

Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities