Imprisonment and unlimited fines are prohibited by changing habits

A law banning conversion practices was first promised in 2010. Release of the Government’s LGBT+ Advisory Panel

The BBC understands advisers have previously disagreed on whether to introduce legislation. It risks criminalizing parents or professionals. Conducted screening discussions with young people experiencing gender-related issues.

The government’s draft proposals include exemptions for legitimate health care and set a “high standard” for crime, with “only attacks to change a person’s identity” being covered by the law.

Dr. Hilary Cass, of a A critical report on gender identification services for childrenHe said it was important that the law allow health professionals to do their jobs “without fear of litigation”.

“I am pleased to see that the government is proposing legislation that not only clearly defines what conversion practices are, but also what is not, compared to previous drafts.

The proposals are likely to face intense scrutiny from campaigners who say the law is too long and those who fear the unintended consequences of the ban.

She told the BBC that the law would have an “exciting effect” on therapists and religious leaders trying to support people with questions about sex and sexuality.

She said: “Indeed, abusive and hurtful practices are illegal in the UK. The new ban is aimed at prayers and peace talks that many people find useful.

“The counseling room and the steward’s room are places that should be free to explore that fully.”

Williams told the BBC she would launch a legal challenge against any law banning conversion practices.

Baptiste Kennedy, who says he did conversion exercises in his early 20s, says the ban helps prevent injury.

He told the BBC he committed suicide after spending six years in “liberation therapy”, where pastors prayed for him to “cleanse out demons” and tried to blame “past trauma” on his sexuality.

He said: “When someone you respect and has knowledge of God tries to help you again, the consequences of not knocking are very serious.

“The only thing I lost in liberation therapy was my faith, and in its place came shame and self-destruction.”

The BBC understands that a pre-legislative review of the bill will begin in the coming weeks and last around three months.

It then needs to go through several stages before the House of Commons can vote on amendments and the House of Lords before they become law.