France votes to ban conversion therapy

The French National Assembly has unanimously voted to ban gay conversion therapy which attempts to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ+ people.

The French lower house of parliament voted 115 – 0 in favour of the law to ban conversion therapy.

Health Minister Olivier Véran called conversion therapies “deplorable” and said that they cause “terrible suffering”.

The proposed law would include penalties of two years in prison and a €30,000 fine.

If the victim is a minor then the sentence will be three years in prison and a €45,000.

The bill will now go to the Senate, where it must be adopted by February 2020.