A new taxpayer-funded report into ‘conversion therapy’ overseas has been released by campaign group the Ozanne Foundation. Like previous studies by the same organisation, this one is deeply flawed, even counting ‘praying alone’ among supposedly harmful practices. Titled “2022 Hungarian ‘Conversion Therapy’ Research”, it was produced under the auspices of the recently formed and Government… Continue reading Govt funded conversion therapy research ‘deeply flawed’
Author: Let us Pray
Former No.10 advisor explains why conversion therapy ban isn’t needed
Former Director of Legislative Affairs in No.10 Downing Street, Nikki da Costa, spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about banning conversion therapy. Explaining why the Government was right to question the need for a ban, da Costa said: “I think the first thing to bear in mind is that there’s already a strong network… Continue reading Former No.10 advisor explains why conversion therapy ban isn’t needed
Govt U-turns twice over conversion therapy ban
Last night, ITV news ran an exclusive report on Government plans to drop proposals for banning conversion therapy. Only hours later the Prime Minister was said to have changed his mind, after a backlash by activists and some MPs. The ITV claims were based on a leaked document, in which the basis for banning conversion… Continue reading Govt U-turns twice over conversion therapy ban
Conversion therapy ban “designed to marginalise and ignore deeply held religious convictions”
An Australian law professor warns that conversion therapy bans ‘seem designed’ to “marginalise” Christian beliefs, despite claims they protect religious freedom. In a paper presented to a legal seminar, Associate Professor Neil Foster said that the ban in the State of Victoria undermines the rights of Christians, and has consequences reaching far beyond the stated… Continue reading Conversion therapy ban “designed to marginalise and ignore deeply held religious convictions”
Northern Ireland: activists upset at conversion therapy ban being given time for scrutiny
Activists in Northern Ireland are ramping up their demands for new legislation to ban so-called conversion therapy. They’re frustrated that a Bill has not been fast-tracked in time for May’s election. Work is underway though, under the oversight of Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA (Sinn Féin). If such a Bill is brought forward, it will… Continue reading Northern Ireland: activists upset at conversion therapy ban being given time for scrutiny
Scottish Parliament debates banning conversion therapy
Yesterday, the Scottish Parliament debated banning conversion therapy. MSPs were considering a Report from the Parliament’s Equalities Committee. The Report calls for a radical approach to banning conversion therapy, suggesting the extreme ban in Victoria, Australia, offers a good model to follow. But official guidance on the Victoria ban says conversion therapy includes “not affirming someone’s gender identity”, and… Continue reading Scottish Parliament debates banning conversion therapy
Church leaders respond to attacks over conversion therapy ban concerns
Efforts to silence those with concerns over a conversion therapy ban have reached extraordinary levels in recent weeks, as LGBT activists attack church ministers who wrote to the Government over the proposals. The church leaders had been clear that there was no place for abuse in churches. But they said that a ban could inadvertently… Continue reading Church leaders respond to attacks over conversion therapy ban concerns
Church leaders’ concerns compared to the Holocaust by LGBT charity
The leader of an LGBT charity in Lancaster has suggested churches are “attacking LGBTQI people”, comparing concerns over a conversion therapy ban to the Holocaust. Speaking of the recent church ministers’ letter to the Government on conversion therapy proposals, CEO of ‘Out in the Bay’, Robert Mee, said: “People are still attacking LGBTQI people and… Continue reading Church leaders’ concerns compared to the Holocaust by LGBT charity
Putting rape on the same spectrum as prayer is outrageous
What is conversion therapy and why do activists want it banned? Is it to do with abhorrent practices such as ‘corrective rape’ and electroshock therapy? Or is it normal everyday church activities such as private prayer and pastoral care? Believe it or not, ban conversion therapy activists say it’s both – as though it’s normal… Continue reading Putting rape on the same spectrum as prayer is outrageous
Church Times: confusing ‘Christian conversion’ for ‘conversion therapy’
In a letter to Church Times this week, Revd Huw Thomas comments on the 2,500+ Church leaders who wrote to the Government asking for a rethink of their conversion therapy proposals. He says they are expressing “faux concern” about ‘Christian conversion’ being confused for ‘conversion therapy’: “Such ministers, I presume, are aware that the word… Continue reading Church Times: confusing ‘Christian conversion’ for ‘conversion therapy’