The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) placed fundamental rights, dignity and equality at the centre of its April plenary session, holding a high-level debate on advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and banning conversion practices. The debate was followed by the adoption of two opinions calling for stronger enforcement of the EU’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030 and a comprehensive EU-wide ban on conversion practices.

Setting the tone, EESC President Séamus Boland firmly rejected any justification for such practices: ‘These so-called conversion practices or therapies are not only harmful, they are a profound violation of human dignity and fundamental rights. Let us be absolutely clear: there is nothing to fix or cure.’

The debate brought together representatives from EU institutions, civil society and international organisations. Caleb Stocco from the European Association Against Conversion Therapy highlighted the lasting harm caused by these practices and called for decisive EU action. From the European Commission, Francesco Zoia Bolzonello outlined efforts to advance equality through the LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030, stressing the importance of EU leadership in the face of a growing backlash.

International perspectives reinforced the urgent need for action. Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo from the Council of Europe and UN Independent Expert Graeme Reid both emphasised that banning conversion practices was a matter of fundamental human rights and dignity.

Participants pointed to persistent inequalities across Member States, including discrimination, hate speech and barriers to healthcare, housing and employment. The recent Court of Justice of the EU ruling in Commission v Hungary was cited as reaffirming the EU’s obligation to protect LGBTIQ+ rights and uphold fundamental freedoms.

The two EESC opinions adopted translate these concerns into concrete recommendations. Regarding conversion practices, the EESC calls for a comprehensive, legally binding EU-wide ban covering both minors and adults, including effective penalties and support for survivors. On the Equality Strategy, it urges stronger monitoring, binding benchmarks linked to EU funding and decisive action to counter the anti-LGBTIQ+ backlash.

The EESC, as the voice of organised civil society, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing equality and ensuring that all people in Europe can live freely and safely, without fear of discrimination. (lm)