The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Rowan Williams, has signed a letter calling on the Government to reinstate plans for a ban on ‘transgender conversion therapy’. The letter, by Steve Chalke and co-signed by several Church of England leaders, comes in the wake of the Government’s decision to drop the ‘trans’ element of its proposals… Continue reading Former Archbishop signs tone-deaf letter on trans conversion therapy
Category: Latest
Conversion therapy ban – what’s going on?
Last Thursday’s surprising revelations about the Westminster Government’s plan to ditch proposals for a conversion therapy ban (and the subsequent U-turn over dropping the ban) were a little confusing, to say the least. It has led many to ask what is going on. If you’ve managed to keep track of all the announcements, well done!… Continue reading Conversion therapy ban – what’s going on?
UN rejects campaign against Equality Commission over conversion therapy ban warning
A UN body has rejected requests to downgrade the status of the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), after it warned of “unintended consequences” of a conversion therapy ban. The EHRC’s response to the Westminster Government’s conversion therapy consultation was clear that numerous problems exist with the proposals, warning against interference with various human… Continue reading UN rejects campaign against Equality Commission over conversion therapy ban warning
Govt funded conversion therapy research ‘deeply flawed’
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’
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