Resolution on the banning of Conversion Therapy in the EU

03.06.2025

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Conversion therapy is a harmful and discredited practice that falsely treats LGBTIQ(A+) identities as illnesses that need to be “cured” or “fixed”, this is a violation of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Conversion Practices are interventions aimed at changing, repressing or suppressing the sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression of LGBTIQ(A+) persons.

Despite progress in several EU member states, conversion practices remain legal in some countries, and even promoted, putting thousands of people at risk of psychological trauma, social rejection, and physical abuse. The European Union has a duty to protect its citizens from degrading treatment. We urgently need binding EU legislation to ban conversion practices in every member state, and support survivors.

This responsibility is not only on the shoulders of LGBTIQ(A+) organisations, but also the responsibility of HEIs and therefore ESU, they should recognise the vital need to lobby for implementation of a complete ban of conversion therapy in all Member states. HEIs must also amend internal policies to be more inclusive of LGBTIQ(A+) students, so that they don’t face stressful and unnecessary situations regarding their incorrect name being used on HEI documents.

With the united voice of the European Students’ Union, we call for;

The European Commission to propose a binding legal ban on all conversion practices targeting LGBTIQ(A+) citizens in the European Union
The support of all member states and organisations based in those countries to implement supporting structures for people who have been victims of conversion therapy.
Higher Education Institutes to provide support to LGBTIQ(A+) students in their education and recognise their right to live and express themselves freely.
An ease of access for students to change their names on university documents in line with their preferred name.