Numerous legal opinions have been produced which demonstrate the dangers of attempting to legislate on what activists call ‘conversion therapy’ (sometimes known as ‘conversion practices’). Time and again, it has been shown that legislation of this sort could breach the European Convention on Human Rights by criminalising free speech, the ordinary work of churches, parental… Continue reading The legal case against a ‘conversion therapy’ law
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Conversion therapy law should not criminalise Christians: Presbyterian Church in Ireland
By James Kennedy A new law on ‘conversion therapy’ “shouldn’t criminalise ministers, church workers and parents” the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s (PCI) General Assembly was told yesterday. Revd Daniel Kane, Convener of the denomination’s Council for Public Affairs was addressing the annual gathering of church ministers and representative elders. Raising issues of concern to the… Continue reading Conversion therapy law should not criminalise Christians: Presbyterian Church in Ireland
NI politicians debate ‘conversion therapy’ law
by James Kennedy Yesterday, the Northern Ireland Assembly debated a motion on ‘conversion practices’. It called on the Communities Minister to bring forward new legislation to tackle practices activists also call ‘conversion therapy’. The motion was passed, with 41 Members voting in favour, and 25 voting against. An amendment proposed by the DUP sought to… Continue reading NI politicians debate ‘conversion therapy’ law
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
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
‘Conversion therapy’ and a new top team in Holyrood
Does a new First Minister in Scotland signal an end to ‘conversion therapy’ plans? Not so fast, says Let Us Pray’s Joanna Cook. A new First Minister for Scotland was appointed earlier this week. What effect does that have on the plans for a ‘conversion therapy’ law? The leader of the SNP, John Swinney MSP,… Continue reading ‘Conversion therapy’ and a new top team in Holyrood
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
MP seeking ‘consensus’ on CT ban calls sceptical colleagues ‘bigots’
Alicia Kearns is one of the foremost Conservative Party advocates for a conversion therapy ban. Back in December, she tabled a Private Member’s Bill to criminalise such practices on behalf of Labour colleague Lloyd Russell-Moyle, who she has been working closely with on the issue, which will be debated on 1st March. They say the… Continue reading MP seeking ‘consensus’ on CT ban calls sceptical colleagues ‘bigots’
Can Christians ignore right and wrong? They should, says ‘Labour Trans Equality’
By James Kennedy Today I spotted a strange claim from a Labour Party sub-group, who seem to think a new law on ‘conversion therapy’ should stop Christians from having a view on “what is right and what is wrong”. A significant portion of my time is spent scouring through documents others have written about ‘conversion… Continue reading Can Christians ignore right and wrong? They should, says ‘Labour Trans Equality’