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
Category: Blog
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
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’
Victoria’s extreme conversion therapy ban has come into force
The State of Victoria’s conversion therapy law came into force last week, one year after it received royal assent. What does the ban outlaw? Victoria’s Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act makes it illegal for a person or organisation to engage in ‘change or suppression practices’. It defines a ‘change or suppression practice’ as… Continue reading Victoria’s extreme conversion therapy ban has come into force
Bishop of Whitby on the church ministers’ letter
The Bishop of Whitby, the Right Reverend Paul Ferguson, has written to a Government minister asking that they support an “unequivocal ban” on conversion therapy with no loopholes. The letter was published earlier this week by Chair of the Ban Conversion Therapy group, Jayne Ozanne. Known for her desire to see a ban covering prayer… Continue reading Bishop of Whitby on the church ministers’ letter
Church ministers attacked for defending gospel ministry
Church workers across the UK have come under attack for expressing concerns about the dangers of a broad ban on conversion therapy. Thousands of ministers and pastoral workers who signed a letter to the UK Government about plans to ban conversion therapy are being maliciously accused of ‘harming’ LGBT people. The joint letter is clear… Continue reading Church ministers attacked for defending gospel ministry