Take away parents’ rights, say Scottish Govt ‘experts’

An official Report produced for the Scottish Government has recommended withdrawing parental rights if a parent is found to have engaged in ‘conversion therapy’. It is just one of many harrowing recommendations from the Scottish Government’s Expert Advisory Group on Ending Conversion Practices. You might think that such an approach is appropriate if a parent… Continue reading Take away parents’ rights, say Scottish Govt ‘experts’

Teaching “the importance of marriage” is part of ‘conversion therapy’, Scottish Govt advised

A few weeks ago, the Scottish Government’s ‘Expert Advisory Group’ on banning conversion therapy published its recommendations for a new law. They say any attempt to ‘suppress’ the identity of LGBT people must be outlawed. Among its many extraordinary claims was this one: “Religious and cultural obligations play a huge part in why people may… Continue reading Teaching “the importance of marriage” is part of ‘conversion therapy’, Scottish Govt advised

Government-funded attacks on Christian theology

The ‘first of its kind’ Government-funded conversion therapy helpline, announced last May and run by LGBT charity Galop, is now up and running. The group claims to offer a service for LGBT people who feel they may have been subject to ‘conversion’ practices and need support. Such activities supposedly try to force people to change… Continue reading Government-funded attacks on Christian theology

New Zealand claim on puberty blockers retracted – too little, too late?

Australian journalist, Bernard Lane, reports that health information for transgender healthcare of children in New Zealand has changed. New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has updated its website to remove the false claim that puberty blocking drugs are “safe and fully reversible”. In a country which has possibly the world’s most liberal laws on ‘gender’, it… Continue reading New Zealand claim on puberty blockers retracted – too little, too late?

Leading activists still calling for “private prayer” ban

Let Us Pray has been pointing out for some time (for example in the Critic and the Belfast News Letter) that the leading activist group pushing for a conversion therapy ban is, ludicrously, calling for it to cover “private prayer” and “casual conversations”. You might have thought that the ‘Ban Conversion Therapy’ campaign would quickly… Continue reading Leading activists still calling for “private prayer” ban

A new ban on child abuse?

Credit: Pixabay

The activist group leading the campaign for a broad conversion therapy ban says new legislation is needed to prevent children being abused by their parents. It cites the story of Richie Barlow, who says he underwent ‘conversion therapy’ as a child. Later, he was taken into care after being physically abused by his mother. He… Continue reading A new ban on child abuse?

‘Not using preferred pronouns is conversion therapy’ – new international guidance

The ‘World Professional Association for Transgender Health’ (WPATH) has issued new guidance on medical healthcare for trans people. Known as ‘Standards of Care version 8’, the new guidance says that ‘conversion therapy’ includes not using the new name or chosen ‘pronouns’ of a trans young person. The guidance also includes horrifying recommendations for medical professionals,… Continue reading ‘Not using preferred pronouns is conversion therapy’ – new international guidance

Jayne Ozanne: asking for the impossible

Jayne Ozanne, photo by Susan Forsburg

If you regularly read our blog, the name Jayne Ozanne will be familiar. She is the chair of the Ban Conversion Therapy campaign and an outspoken advocate for a ban that captures the ordinary work of churches. She sat on the Government’s LGBT Advisory Panel when it first devised plans for a ban, and is… Continue reading Jayne Ozanne: asking for the impossible

Northern Ireland Finance Department funds conversion therapy activists

The Northern Ireland Department of Finance continues to fund Ban Conversion Therapy backer Stonewall, the Belfast News Letter has revealed. The controversial group has received £2,500 from the Department of Finance to be part of its ‘Stonewall Champions’ employers scheme. Other contentious funding decisions in NI require cross-party support, but the Finance Minister Conor Murphy… Continue reading Northern Ireland Finance Department funds conversion therapy activists

Victoria: Green party councillor on dangers of conversion therapy ban

The dangers of the repressive ‘conversion therapy’ ban in Victoria, Australia, are now widely known. But it was still a surprise to some when a councillor for the Victorian Green Party began to raise concerns. Comments made by Councillor Rohan Leppert, who describes himself as gay, were leaked after he expressed apprehensions about the Bill… Continue reading Victoria: Green party councillor on dangers of conversion therapy ban