by James Kennedy Last week, the Northern Ireland Assembly debated a motion on ‘conversion practices’. As I sat in the public gallery of the Stormont chamber, it was interesting to see the reactions and surprisingly conciliatory tone between MLAs. A similar debate three years ago ended in nasty quarrelling and apparently even played a part… Continue reading Inside the chamber: a closer look at the ‘conversion therapy’ debate at Stormont
Category: News
‘Conversion practices’ study authors cannot answer BBC interviewer on prayer
Last week, a new report on ‘conversion practices’ was published by The Rainbow Project – Northern Ireland’s version of Stonewall. Appearing on BBC radio show ‘Talkback’ earlier this week, the academics responsible collapsed into nervous laughter when asked whether church prayers and pastoral support should be criminalised. The study was written by several LGBT activists,… Continue reading ‘Conversion practices’ study authors cannot answer BBC interviewer on prayer
Westminster ‘conversion therapy’ threat stalled by General Election
Yesterday’s announcement of a snap General Election on 4 July has removed the imminent threat of a dangerous conversion therapy law for England and Wales. An amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill on ‘conversion practices’ tabled by Alicia Kearns MP looked set to be debated on 4 June. But this will not now happen. This… Continue reading Westminster ‘conversion therapy’ threat stalled by General Election
‘Conversion practices’ to be debated in Westminster on 4 June
The Government has said that the second day of the Criminal Justice Bill’s Report Stage will take place on 4 June. An amendment on ‘conversion practices’ has been tabled by Alicia Kearns MP (Con), known as New Clause 117 (NC117). Assuming it is selected, it will be debated in the first three-hour debate on that… Continue reading ‘Conversion practices’ to be debated in Westminster on 4 June
Alicia Kearns MP retables ‘conversion therapy’ amendment yet again
By James Kennedy In an extraordinary move, Alicia Kearns MP has once again withdrawn and re-tabled her conversion therapy amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill. Now on its seventh version, the amendment could criminalise innocent Christian believers and loving parents for refusing to affirm radical LGBT ideology. Evidently Kearns realised the previous version (NC90) had… Continue reading Alicia Kearns MP retables ‘conversion therapy’ amendment yet again
‘Conversion Practices’ study paid for by Stormont’s Communities Department branded “useless”
By James Kennedy A new study into ‘Conversion Practices in Northern Ireland’ has been branded “useless” by The Christian Institute. The study considers the claims of only ten people, some of whom were “recruited through the researchers’ networks”. Funded by Stormont’s Department for Communities, the so-called ‘research’ was commissioned by highly controversial LGBT group The… Continue reading ‘Conversion Practices’ study paid for by Stormont’s Communities Department branded “useless”
MP tables ‘conversion therapy’ amendment that lawyers warn will ban ‘private prayers’
Under a new amendment to a Government Bill, grandparents praying for their grandchildren and families praying at the dinner table could be criminalised, says a top lawyer. By James Kennedy Alicia Kearns MP has tabled a new ‘conversion therapy’ amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that senior lawyers warn will criminalise private prayer that does… Continue reading MP tables ‘conversion therapy’ amendment that lawyers warn will ban ‘private prayers’
Let Us Pray official supporters sign letter to PM opposing ‘conversion therapy’ law
Three of Let Us Pray’s official supporters have put their name to a letter to Rishi Sunak, calling on him to oppose any plans for a conversion therapy law. On Wednesday 15 May, the Government’s Criminal Justice Bill is to begin its Report Stage. A large number of amendments are likely to be considered at… Continue reading Let Us Pray official supporters sign letter to PM opposing ‘conversion therapy’ law
MP repeatedly proposes flawed conversion therapy amendments
Author of the landmark report on NHS gender services, Dr Hilary Cass, recently admitted “I just don’t know how you would define” a conversion therapy law. Dr Cass has good reason to say this. Even the politicians who have committed themselves to a ban can’t find a way to do it. For the last few… Continue reading MP repeatedly proposes flawed conversion therapy amendments
Cass Report highlights major risks posed by conversion therapy law
A landmark independent report for the NHS into gender services for children has warned of the serious risks of legislating against ‘conversion therapy’. The Cass Report is clear that a new law in this area could have a profound impact on vital support for children struggling with their gender. In autumn 2020, NHS England commissioned… Continue reading Cass Report highlights major risks posed by conversion therapy law