Cardiff Council: Conversion Therapy Ban and Local Law

Civil Rights and Equity Wales 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

Cardiff residents and service providers should understand that Cardiff Council has publicly supported measures to prohibit conversion practices, while statutory prohibition and penalties are being considered at Welsh Government level. Welsh Government has announced proposals to ban conversion therapy across Wales [1]. This article summarises the current municipal position, who would enforce measures, likely penalties where specified at higher levels, how to report suspected practices in Cardiff, and practical steps for affected people and organisations.

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no Cardiff-specific criminal bylaw on conversion therapy published as a standalone municipal ordinance; enforcement of any prohibition would rely on the controlling instrument set by the Welsh Government or national law. Fine amounts and specific statutory penalties are not specified on the cited page for Cardiff Council; details of penalties are to be set by the statute or regulations if and when enacted. Escalation for first, repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.

  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: likely to include statutory prohibition orders, mandatory cease-and-desist directions and potential criminal offences under national/regional law; not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: if enacted, primary enforcement may be by police for criminal elements and by regulatory bodies or public protection teams for prohibited practices; Cardiff Council has signalled support but has not published a municipal enforcement code for a ban.
  • Inspection and complaints: report suspected criminal activity to the police and local safeguarding teams; report non-criminal professional misconduct to the relevant regulator or to Cardiff Council via its complaints/contact pages.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and statutory time limits will be set in the enabling legislation or regulations; not specified on the cited page.
Cardiff Council supports a Wales-wide ban but has not published a separate city bylaw providing fines or procedural rules.

Applications & Forms

There is no Cardiff municipal application or permit specifically for conversion therapy because a local permit regime would be inappropriate for prohibiting a practice; if Welsh legislation creates notification or registration requirements they will be published by the Welsh Government and implementing guidance will list forms and fees. At present, no form is required or officially published by Cardiff Council for this subject.

If statutory registration or reporting forms are introduced, the Welsh Government will publish the form names and submission routes.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Unlicensed therapeutic services offering conversion practices - likely subject to prohibition orders or professional discipline if provided by regulated practitioners.
  • Religious or group settings offering directed conversion activities - may be subject to investigation, injunctions or criminal charges depending on statute.
  • Advertising or promotion of conversion services - potential removal orders, fines or injunctive relief under consumer protection or specific prohibition rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Cardiff Council supports banning conversion therapy but has not enacted a separate municipal bylaw with fines.
  • Legal penalties and enforcement mechanisms will depend on Welsh Government legislation or national law; details are not yet published at city level.
  • Report suspected criminal conduct to the police and make safeguarding reports to local authorities or professional regulators as appropriate.

FAQ

Is conversion therapy banned in Cardiff?
Cardiff Council has expressed support for a ban, but there is no standalone Cardiff municipal bylaw that creates a city-level statutory ban as of the current official publications; broader prohibition is proposed at Welsh Government level [1].
Who enforces a ban if one is introduced?
Enforcement would depend on the enabling legislation; likely enforcers include the police for criminal offences, professional regulators for clinicians, and public protection or safeguarding teams for local compliance.
How do I report an organisation offering conversion practices in Cardiff?
For suspected criminal activity, contact South Wales Police; for concerns about a healthcare professional, contact the relevant professional regulator; you can also use Cardiff Council contact and safeguarding routes for local assistance.

How-To

  1. Contact the police immediately if there is an imminent risk or potential criminal conduct.
  2. Collect and preserve evidence: names, dates, communications, advertising and witness details.
  3. Report professional misconduct to the relevant regulator if the provider is a licensed professional.
  4. File a local report or complaint with Cardiff Council safeguarding or public protection teams for non-criminal concerns.
  5. Engage support services and legal advice for victims seeking remedies or protective orders.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Welsh Government: Ban on conversion therapy

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