Radical ‘conversion practices’ motion set for SNP conference vote

SNP party members are set to vote on a pro-LGBT motion pushing for an expansive ‘conversion practices’ law in Scotland.

According to the party’s conference agenda, a motion has been tabled to support a ban that could criminalise parents for refusing to buy their daughter a chest binder or pastoral conversations that do not affirm an LGBT lifestyle.

In its recently published five-year plan, the Scottish Government reiterated its commitment to work with the UK Government on a legislative ban applying to Scotland, while making clear that, should the UK Government fail to deliver, it “will not hesitate to bring forward Scottish legislation”.

Draconian

The conference motion states that “the only acceptable ban on conversion practices is a complete ban that includes medical and religious settings, includes conversion practices inflicted with the ‘consent’ of the person, and any conversion practiced against trans and non-binary people”.

It claims that the controversial Conversion Practices Draft Bill published by the Westminster in June “is inadequate” and will create “loopholes under which conversion practices can still be enacted without breaking the law”.

The proposal goes on to urge the Scottish Government “to impose a comprehensive ban on all conversion practices, to be introduced within the first year of this Parliament, in line with the Party’s manifesto promises”.

‘Harmful and reckless’

The Christian Institute’s Joanna Timm said: “The motion reopens a row the Scottish Government has been trying to offload onto Westminster ever since its own proposals for a conversion practices law – published in 2024 – were met with widespread derision.

“Parents were outraged at the prospect of being criminalised for refusing to consent to their teenage children taking puberty blockers, and church leaders warned they could face jail time for expressing Christian sexual ethics in prayer and pastoral conversation.”

She warned: “The SNP motion reveals the ambitions of those campaigning for this legislation. They want to ensure that therapists and pastors cannot so much as question someone’s claim to be transgender.

“This is despite the evidence that has come to light about the link between transgenderism and autism in teens, and the growing number of detransitioners coming forward after youth transitions. Criminalising a cautious approach to serious life-altering choices, especially when children are involved, is harmful and reckless.”

‘Weaken trust within the home’

The Catholic Parliamentary Office, an agency of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, also criticised the motion for advocating a “prohibition of exceptional breadth”.

Anthony Horan, the organisation’s Director, commented: “Without precise definitions and robust safeguards, such an approach risks treating ordinary conversations, conscientious guidance and supportive care as suspect simply because they engage questions of identity, relationships, faith or personal conduct.”

He said the proposals “could weaken trust within the home” and undermine the freedom of clergy, chaplains and pastoral workers to “respond honestly and compassionately within the teaching of their faith” to individuals who “may seek prayer, spiritual counsel or moral guidance”.

Horan added: “It is important, for the sake of clarity and legal certainty, that supporters of conversion practices legislation demonstrate which conduct that isn’t already illegal they intend to criminalise by the proposed new law.”