British MP Richard Fuller Opposes Expanding Conversion Therapy Ban After Meeting With LGB Alliance
In late September 2026, Conservative Member of the UK Parliament Richard Fuller met with constituent Deborah Malone and a representative from the advocacy group LGB Alliance in the Palace of Westminster to discuss the government’s Draft Conversion Practices Bill. Following the meeting, the lawmaker argued that current UK law already provides adequate protection against coercion and abuse, warning that introducing new criminal offences carries a significant risk of unintentionally criminalising parents, teachers, and medical professionals.
According to an official statement on Richard Fuller MP’s website, the discussion focused on the challenges facing gay and bisexual people across the United Kingdom as well as specific questions regarding the draft legislation currently being scrutinised in Parliament. “We all agreed that it is absolutely right that practices like gay conversion have no place in 21st century society, however in my opinion, the law as it stands adequately provides the protections needed and any further legislation carries significant risk of unintended consequences,” Fuller said. “The principle of free speech must be upheld and we shouldn’t risk criminalising parents, teachers and medical professionals for engaging in a dialogue with those who question their sexuality or gender.” Fuller noted that he intends to track the bill’s progress closely.
The Draft Conversion Practices Bill, published by the Labour government in summer 2026 for England and Wales, would introduce criminal penalties of up to five years in prison for practices intended to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. While proponents insist that a statutory ban is essential to shield vulnerable youth from psychological pressure, the LGB Alliance and parental organisations have campaigned actively against the proposal. They argue that broad and undefined provisions could penalise routine therapeutic dialogue and family discussions, particularly when parents or clinicians suggest that a child experiencing gender-related distress might simply be gay and not in need of irreversible medical transition.
Richard Fuller represents North Bedfordshire in the British Parliament and previously served as Chairman of the Conservative Party and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business. The LGB Alliance was founded in the UK in 2019 to defend the rights of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals based on biological sex, maintaining a clear distinction between sexual orientation and gender identity.
The balance between protective legislation and fundamental freedoms remains a key point of contention in British public debate. Previously, Uránia reported on the publication of the UK government’s Draft Conversion Practices Bill and criticisms from faith groups and civil liberties advocates, covered the LGB Alliance’s official presence at the UK Conservative Party Conference, and examined comparable legislative developments in Tasmania and in Switzerland.
