Broad ‘conversion therapy’ ban

The Government’s consultation on banning practices that seek to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity has been extended until 4 February.

The Christian Institute’s Let Us Pray campaign is defending the ordinary work of churches.

‘Conversion therapy’ is a wide umbrella term chosen by LGBT campaigners. It covers abusive practices by quack medical practitioners and charlatan preachers which are largely illegal already. But the campaigners want to go much further: they want to criminalise prayers that fail to endorse liberal theology.

The Government has said that it does not intend to outlaw ‘everyday religious practice’ but it still risks bringing in one of the most religiously repressive laws the country has ever seen.

Coercive and abusive behaviour should be caught by existing law. But it is wrong for biblically faithful preaching, prayer, pastoral care and parenting to be in the sights of lawmakers.