by James Parker, Christian Today
The British Government has been lobbied for over a decade to end what is commonly called conversion therapy. It has developed proposals which include a new criminal offence, as well as civil measures even though there is still no clear global definition of what exactly conversion therapy is.
The Government claims to have analysed ‘available evidence’ and ‘listened to stakeholders’. It professes to have ‘learnt from international counterparts’ and ‘identified gaps in Britain’s legislation’.
Let me assure you: the content of the draft bill recently released demonstrates categorically that the Government has only listened to one side of the story. As a former gay activist, I know this to be true.
I was the first person to come out in my London university in the Eighties. After committing my life to Christ whilst in a long-term gay relationship, I found myself undergoing several forms of therapy alongside a spiritual journey of transforming prayer. Together, these opened up choices I had never previously considered which led me out of the gay community and into the heart of the Church.
Therapy and prayer definitely converted me. They literally saved my life and enhanced it beyond recognition. This led to me eventually embracing heterosexual potential which I had never believed could have existed within me. I eventually married and became a father.