Labour’s proposed conversion therapy ban is so broad that critics warn parents, therapists and religious leaders could face investigation over ordinary conversations about sex and gender.
Christian Concern, the Great British PAC and the Free Speech Union have raised concerns over the Labour Government’s proposed legislation to ban so-called “conversion practices”, arguing that the draft law could have far-reaching consequences for freedom of speech, religious liberty and parental rights.
The Government published draft legislation this week which would create new criminal offences and civil protection orders aimed at preventing attempts to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Ministers argue that the legislation is necessary to protect vulnerable people from coercive and harmful practices. However, critics say the debate is not about banning physical abuse, which is already illegal under existing law.
Instead, opponents of the legislation argue that the bill could potentially affect conversations, counselling, prayer and parental guidance if they are deemed to place pressure on someone regarding their sexuality or gender identity.
The controversy centres on the bill’s use of terms including “controlling or coercive words”, “psychological or emotional pressure” and “economic pressure”.
Supporters of the legislation say these provisions are needed to protect people from non-physical forms of coercion.
Critics argue that the definitions are too broad and could potentially draw parents, counsellors, therapists and religious leaders into legal disputes even where no physical harm has occurred.
Examples cited by opponents include parents encouraging a child to delay a gender transition, therapists helping someone explore unwanted same-sex feelings, or pastors providing prayer and counselling in accordance with traditional religious beliefs.
Christian Concern, which has long campaigned against attempts to introduce a conversion therapy ban, says the legislation risks restricting freedoms that many people currently exercise voluntarily.
The organisation has previously published reports arguing that bans on talking therapies could conflict with human rights protections and has supported counsellors who have faced professional sanctions over their work with clients seeking help regarding sexuality and gender identity issues.
Responding to the publication of the draft bill, Christian Concern Chief Executive Andrea Williams said:
“At the heart of the Christian message – the gospel – is change. We are converted from spiritual death to spiritual life and, over time, transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Any bill that seeks to hinder that change by leaving people without the support they desire is an anti-Christian one.”
Williams said there was no evidence of widespread abusive conversion practices requiring new legislation and argued that existing laws already cover genuinely harmful conduct.
She also expressed concern about how the legislation could be applied in practice.
“Parents who resist a child’s newly-declared transgender identity will be labelled as controlling, coercing and imposing economic pressure,” she said.
Williams further warned that pastors teaching traditional Christian beliefs on sexuality could face allegations that they had exerted psychological pressure on members of their congregations.
She pointed to the case of Matthew Grech in Malta, who faced years of legal proceedings over allegations connected to conversion practices before eventually being acquitted.
The Free Speech Union has also criticised the proposals, arguing that the legislation could have unintended consequences for free expression and family life.
A spokesperson for the organisation said:
“When a Prime Minister resigns, we enter the danger zone as they search for a legacy and introduce poorly drafted legislation.
“This week, the Government announced a Conversion Therapy Ban Bill that is so broadly drawn that parents, therapists and even religious leaders could face prosecution for well-intentioned conversations about sex and gender.
“Speech is always curtailed in the name of preventing ‘harm’. But stopping parents from talking honestly to their children about the risks of irreversible medical procedures will cause actual, real-world harm. This is a fight we have to win.”
The Great British PAC also criticised the proposals, warning that Parliament should proceed carefully before introducing legislation which could affect family life, counselling and religious practice.
A Great British PAC spokesperson, said:
“The Great British PAC has consistently opposed attempts to introduce a conversion therapy ban because we believe adults and families should be free to seek lawful counselling, pastoral support and prayer if that is what they choose.
“Existing laws already protect people from genuine abuse, coercion and physical harm. What concerns us is the growing tendency to criminalise conversations, beliefs and advice that some politicians happen to disagree with.
“This draft legislation raises serious questions about freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the rights of parents to guide and support their own children. No parent should fear being investigated simply for seeking to help a child through a period of distress, and no pastor should fear legal action for teaching orthodox Christian beliefs.
“Britain has a proud tradition of protecting freedom of conscience and freedom of expression. Parliament must ensure that any legislation designed to prevent abuse does not end up punishing loving families, religious communities and qualified counsellors who are acting lawfully and in good faith.”
Supporters of a conversion practices ban argue that legislation is necessary because some forms of coercion and psychological pressure can be harmful even where no physical abuse takes place. Campaigners backing the proposals say the law is intended to protect vulnerable individuals and is not aimed at ordinary family discussions, religious teaching or exploratory therapy.
The draft legislation is expected to undergo further scrutiny and consultation before any final bill is introduced to Parliament.
The debate is likely to centre on where the line should be drawn between preventing coercion and protecting fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, parental authority and access to voluntary counselling and pastoral support.
Labour’s proposed conversion therapy ban could put parents, therapists and religious leaders at risk for ordinary conversations about sex and gender. Sign the petition and tell Andy Burnham to defend free speech.
Sign the Free Speech Union’s petition here: https://freespeechunion.org/campaigns/conversion-therapy-petition
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