Sweden criminalises conversion therapy from July

Sweden will ban attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity from 1 July, following a parliamentary decision on 20 May, state broadcaster SVT reports.

The new law classifies psychological violence—including conversion therapy—as a criminal offence, with penalties of up to four years in prison for violations. Methods such as threats, coercion, or humiliation to alter someone’s sexuality or gender identity will be prohibited.

Lovise Brade, chair of LGBTQ+ rights organisation RFSL Sweden, welcomed the legislation in a statement, calling it “a step towards recognition for all LGBTQI+ individuals who have already been subjected to conversion attempts, and an important victory for human rights.”

The law has sparked heated debate, particularly after microbiology professor Agnes Wold stated in a 20 May interview with the Christian publication Världen Idag that she would do “everything in my power” to reverse a grandchild’s gender identity if they expressed being “born in the wrong body.” Wold added she would accept a four-year prison sentence for such actions.

Her remarks drew sharp criticism, including from Swedish Radio colleague Christoffer Garplind, who wrote: “I am ashamed to be paid by the same company that employs that fool.”