France and EU Face Political Struggles over Banning Conversion Therapies

Pascal Debay, vice-president of the Workers' Group at the European Economic and Social Committee, is leading advocacy efforts for a uniform ban across the European Union on conversion therapies targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals. These controversial practices, often involving violent methods such as torture, exorcisms, and electroshock, aim to change sexual orientation or gender identity and have been banned fully in eight EU countries, including France and Germany.

In May 2025, a European Citizens' Initiative gathered over one million signatures demanding a comprehensive ban. However, the European Commission has since chosen to issue a recommendation rather than propose binding legislation, aiming for member states to act by 2027. Debay expressed disappointment, calling this decision a lack of political courage in confronting reactionary forces within the European Parliament.

He emphasizes that banning conversion therapies alone is inadequate and calls for these practices to be recognized as hate crimes. Debay advocates for extensive public training targeting healthcare workers, social workers, and law enforcement to prevent and combat such therapies effectively. He remains committed to working alongside civil society to uphold and protect LGBTQIA+ rights.

The ongoing debate highlights tensions within EU politics regarding human rights protections for sexual and gender minorities and reflects France's active role in legislation and advocacy against conversion therapies.