Conversion therapy ban must not infringe on religious freedom, says equalities watchdog

Jan 31, 2022 by Jill

from Christian Today:

Government plans to introduce a ban on so-called conversion therapy must not infringe upon religious freedom, the equalities body has warned.

In a major intervention, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said, “Encouraging people to comply with religious doctrine that requires refraining from certain types of sexual activity should not fall within the definition of conversion therapy either.”

The equalities watchdog also warned of a “chilling effect” on therapists, and said that parents and teachers are at risk of being criminalised if they question a child’s desire to change gender.

The EHRC raises concerns that the consultation does not address “the possible need to consider a differentiated approach in relation to sexual orientation and being transgender so as to ensure, in particular, that clinicians and therapists are not prohibited from providing appropriate care and support for individuals with gender dysphoria.”

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