Europarådets parlamentariske forsamling vedtok 29. januar 2026 en resolusjon som oppfordrer europeiske land til å forby konverteringspraksiser. Vedtaket ble fattet med 71 stemmer mot 26.
Resolusjonen er ikke rettslig bindende, men har stor politisk betydning for alle som jobber for skeives rettigheter, liv og levekår i Europa.
I uttalelsen understreker Europarådet at konverteringsterapi både mangler vitenskapelig grunnlag, er helseskadelige og innebærer alvorlige krenkelser av menneskerettighetene.
Forsamlingen ber i resolusjonen medlemslandene innføre klare lovforbud med straffesanksjoner og mekanismer for overvåking og rapportering.
Høyres Tone Trøen Wilhelmsen som stemte ja til forslaget, kom med følgende utsagn:
Mr Chair,
Dear colleagues,
In Europe, children and young people are still subjected to conversion practices aimed at changing or suppressing sexual orientation or gender identity.
These practices are coercive and intimidating. They rely on shame, pressure, and control, and cause real and lasting harm, with research published in The Lancet showing strong links to depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Conversion practices are based on the idea that sexual orientation or gender identity must be corrected. That idea is wrong, and the harm that follows is well documented.
The distinction is clear. Conversion practices are defined by their intent to change or suppress identity. Supportive healthcare respects individual autonomy and does not seek to alter who a person is. This ban is not about restricting care or counselling, but about stopping harmful practices.
Evidence from across Europe shows that trans people are disproportionately targeted by conversion practices, which are often more coercive and intrusive.
An increasing number of countries have already chosen to ban these harmful practices – my country, Norway, included – not to limit freedom, but to prevent harm, especially to children.
I want to thank EPPride for their important work in keeping this issue visible.
Colleagues, our responsibility is clear. We are here to protect human rights, including the right to private life, to physical and mental integrity, and to be free from degrading treatment.
Protecting human rights means drawing clear lines. Banning conversion practices is one of them.
I would like to commend and thank Ms Kate OSBORNE for her important work.
And on an ending note, I would like to say I’m a Christian, I’m a Conservative, I defend family rights and values. But I am extremely proud today to be part of a Parliamentary Assembly that votes in favour of banning conversion practises.
Thank you.
