The Dutch parliament has voted to criminalise so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in a victory for LGBTQ+ people in The Netherlands.

Conversion therapy, or more accurately known as conversion practices, incorporate various physically, emotionally and psychologically abusive methods to attempt to change someone’s gender and/or sexuality. This can include berating or beating, being forced to pray as a form of healing, and “corrective rape”.

Initially, the New Social Contract, Christian Democrats and Farmer–Citizen Movement parties were opposed to the ban, preventing a majority on the legislation.

However, the vote passed on Tuesday (9 September) after the draft legislation was altered so it would only be punishable to ‘systematically’ and ‘intrusively’ try to change someone’s gender and/or sex

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