MLAs debate law that would criminalise conversion practices in NI

People take part in a rally in support of the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill outside the NI Assembly at Stormont, where MLAs are due to debate the bill, which contains provisions that could see a two-year jail sentence imposed on people who conduct conversion practices. Picture date: Tuesday September 15, 2026. - (PA Wire)

Stormont MLAs have been urged to pass proposed legislation that would ban gender or sexuality conversion practices in Northern Ireland.

Those guilty of trying to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity could be jailed for up to two years under the provisions of Private Member’s Bill tabled by Alliance Party deputy leader Eóin Tennyson.