In a landmark victory for LGBTQ+ rights, the Netherlands has voted to ban so-called conversion therapy, making it illegal to subject children and vulnerable adults to practices that claim to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Dutch Senate approved the legislation on Tuesday by an overwhelming margin of 57 votes to 15, following years of campaigning by survivors, activists and organisations including COC Netherlands, one of the world’s oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The new law prohibits conversion practices aimed at changing or suppressing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Those found guilty of carrying out such practices could face up to two years in prison, while professionals may be banned from practising. The law also prohibits advertising for conversion therapy services.
A Long Fight for Justice
Advocates have spent nearly 15 years pushing for the ban, arguing that conversion therapy is both ineffective and harmful.
“Finally justice for victims who often suffer from conversion disorders for life,” said COC Chair Myrtille Danse following the Senate vote.
“Finally clarity: ‘cure’ is a myth, you are good as you are, and attempts at ‘cure’ are prohibited and punishable.”
Earlier this month, COC activists and survivors delivered more than 8,000 signatures to the Senate in support of the ban.
Survivors Speak Out
For many survivors, the legislation represents long-awaited recognition of the harm caused by conversion practices.
Among those advocating for the ban was Jacques Zonne, who spent two years confined in an attempt to “cure” his homosexuality.
“Your entire identity is broken down. That trauma never goes away,” Zonne said.
Research has consistently shown that conversion practices do not change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, studies have linked them to depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm and increased risk of suicide.
According to COC, at least 15 providers of conversion practices have operated in the Netherlands. These activities can take many forms, including pseudo-therapies, workshops, seminars, religious counselling, faith healing rituals, camps and exorcisms.
Growing Momentum Across Europe
The Netherlands joins a growing list of European countries that have outlawed conversion practices, including Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta and Cyprus.
Momentum has also been building at the European Union level. In May, the European Commission formally condemned conversion practices and announced plans to issue a recommendation urging all EU member states to ban them.
The Commission also pledged to support awareness campaigns, strengthen medical and psychological support services for survivors, and conduct research into the scale and impact of conversion practices across Europe.
International human rights bodies, including the United Nations and the Council of Europe, have repeatedly called on governments to outlaw conversion therapy, describing it as a violation of human rights and human dignity.
A Significant Moment for LGBTQ+ Equality
The vote comes during a period of significant visibility for LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands. Earlier this year, Rob Jetten became the country’s first openly gay Prime Minister and the youngest person ever to hold the office.
While challenges remain, LGBTQ+ advocates have welcomed the conversion therapy ban as a powerful affirmation that sexual orientation and gender identity are not conditions that require treatment or correction.
For survivors and campaigners who spent more than a decade fighting for change, the vote sends a clear message: LGBTQ+ people do not need to be fixed — they deserve to be respected, protected and celebrated for who they are.
