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
Category: Uncategorized
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’
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
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’
Humanists tell Westminster Govt: ‘ban repentance’
Humanists UK have published their response to the Westminster Government’s consultation on banning conversion therapy. Despite claiming to be “strong advocates for freedom of religion or belief”, they call for any ban to include: “verbal communications … such as confessions/repentances, non-violent exorcisms, faith declarations, fasting, pilgrimages, and attendance on religious courses”. They also welcome the… Continue reading Humanists tell Westminster Govt: ‘ban repentance’
Canadian opposition leader ousted after conversion therapy vote
In the past week, Canada’s Conservative party leader, Erin O’Toole, has been ousted after a ‘leadership review’. Canada’s conversion therapy ban recently gained Royal Assent without ever having been scrutinised by a parliamentary or Senate committee. Conservative party motions saw it fly straight through all parliamentary stages without debate. The press reports ‘sources’ saying this… Continue reading Canadian opposition leader ousted after conversion therapy vote