UK Govt ‘must defend religious liberty’ amid conversion practices law

The Government’s proposed ‘conversion practices’ law still risks criminalising the ordinary work of churches, the Chairman of the Greater Love Declaration has said.

Revd Dr Thomas Brand joined a group of church leaders in writing to the Prime Minister earlier this year, offering to help the Government “better understand Christians and their beliefs” in light of activists’ claims that it is ‘conversion therapy’ to express mainstream Christian beliefs on sexual ethics in pastoral conversations.

But the Minister for Women and Equalities’ response caused concern, as it only recognised church leaders’ role “in supporting those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity, in a non-directive way”.

‘Follow Christ’

Revd Brand said church leaders will continue to engage with the Government on the issue, but added they are “very concerned that the Government believes that church leaders should operate like secular therapists by offering non-directive counselling.

“Christian ministry is most certainly directive. It’s the job of church leaders to urge people to follow Christ and turn away from sin. The Government’s assurances would do nothing to protect ordinary Christian ministry.

“We saw this sort of language from the previous Government. Ministers and civil servants need to improve their religious literacy and stand up for religious liberty.”

The Government is set to bring forward a draft Bill this parliamentary session, which will require public consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny. Labour’s manifesto pledged to introduce “a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, while protecting the freedom for people to explore their sexual orientation and gender identity”.

Parents

Last week, a group of doctors, psychiatrists, politicians and other professionals warned the Prime Minister that the proposals could also create a “slippery slope towards criminalising parents”.

In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, the 140 signatories highlighted that under similar legislation in the Australian state of Victoria, parents may be committing ‘conversion therapy’ if they object to their child taking puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones.

They stated: “In truth, the real ‘conversion’ taking place is that of children who are being led to believe, in schools and elsewhere, that it is possible to be born in the wrong body. We believe that your focus should be squarely on tackling that.”