The European Commission has responded to a citizens' petition. The petition demanded a European ban on conversion therapy. These are practices that aim to 'cure' people of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Commission is clear in its stance. Conversion therapies are not real therapies. They are harmful and dangerous for LGBTQ+ people. The Commission completely condemns these practices.

However, the Commission says it cannot impose a ban itself. It believes this cannot be done 'effectively' at European level. Banning these practices is a task for member states, it argues.

This answer disappoints many LGBTQ+ activists. They had hoped for clear European legislation. Such a law would protect all countries at once. Now protection remains dependent on each country alone.

The Commission does promise to pressure member states. It wants to encourage them to introduce national bans. It will continue raising this issue in talks with governments.

Currently, only a few EU countries have banned conversion therapy. In many countries, these practices remain legal. LGBTQ+ organisations worry about young people. They are often most vulnerable to these harmful methods.

Scientists and doctors agree on one thing. Conversion therapies do not work. They cause serious psychological harm. Depression, anxiety and suicide occur more frequently among victims of these practices.

The citizens' petition collected hundreds of thousands of signatures. This shows many Europeans want a ban. Pressure on politicians remains significant.

LGBTQ+ organisations continue their fight. They keep lobbying for a European ban. They hope the Commission will take more action in future. For many LGBTQ+ people, this is not a political issue. It is a matter of safety and dignity.