European Commission Proposes National Bans on Conversion Therapy
Introduction
The European Commission has announced that it will recommend that all European Union member states create national laws to ban conversion therapies.
Main Body
This decision comes because there are major differences in laws across the EU. According to data from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association - Europe, only ten out of twenty-seven member states have banned these practices. For example, Malta passed a law in 2016, and France later introduced laws that include fines and prison sentences for those who perform these therapies. This policy change follows a petition signed by over one million citizens who wanted a single, binding law for the entire EU. However, the Commission decided not to create one central ban. Instead, it will provide formal recommendations for each country to pass its own laws next year. This approach is based on data from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, which found that 25% of LGBTQ+ citizens surveyed had experienced these practices, especially in Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Slovakia. President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib emphasized that these practices go against the values of the European Union. Commissioner Lahbib asserted that these methods are based on the false idea that a person's identity needs to be changed. These statements were made during the 30th anniversary of the Brussels Pride festival.
Conclusion
The EU will encourage member states to ban conversion therapy through national recommendations rather than a single mandatory law.
Learning
⚡ The 'Power Verb' Shift
At an A2 level, you likely use basic verbs like say, think, or do. To reach B2, you need Precision. The article shows us how to replace "say" with words that reveal the speaker's intent.
Look at these transformations from the text:
- Basic (A2): They said these practices are wrong. B2 Level: They emphasized that these practices go against EU values.
- Basic (A2): She said the identity doesn't need to change. B2 Level: Commissioner Lahbib asserted that these methods are based on a false idea.
🔍 Why this matters for your fluency
Using Emphasized tells the listener: "This is very important." Using Asserted tells the listener: "This is a strong, confident statement of fact."
🛠️ Structural Upgrade: 'Instead of' Logic
B2 students stop using simple sentences and start using Contrast Markers to show complex ideas.
The A2 Way: The EU didn't make one law. They will give recommendations. The B2 Way: "The Commission decided not to create one central ban. Instead, it will provide formal recommendations..."
Pro Tip: Use
Insteadwhen you want to reject one option and offer a better alternative. It creates a logical bridge that makes your English sound sophisticated and organized.
📋 Vocabulary for Global Contexts
Stop using 'thing' or 'rule'. Steal these professional terms from the article to upgrade your descriptive power:
| A2 Word | B2 Upgrade | Context from Text |
|---|---|---|
| Rule | Policy | "This policy change follows a petition..." |
| Must-do | Binding | "...who wanted a single, binding law..." |
| Group/Type | Association | "...the International... Association - Europe" |