Government says prayer will be protected as conversion therapy ban consultation launches
from Christian Today:
The government has today launched a public consultation on its plans to ban conversion therapy.
The proposed ban has given rise to fears from Christians about the impact on ordinary church activities, including prayer.
Some Christian campaigners supporting the ban have said legislation should include “gentle non-coercive prayer”.
Launching the consultation, Cabinet minister Liz Truss promised that prayer and the teaching of religious beliefs would be protected.
“The policy approach set out below will not impact everyday religious practice,” she said.
“An adult who wants to be supported to be celibate will be free to do so, parents will remain able to raise their children with the values of their faith, and simply expressing the teachings of a religion will not constitute conversion therapy.
“The government will continue to work with faith communities to develop an approach that is effective in protecting people from harm, while also respecting the right to freedom of religion and belief.”
Elsewhere the consultation document states that forms of “talking conversion therapy” covered by the ban “could not be reasonably understood to include communication such as casual conversations, exchanges of views, private prayer or pure speech acts.”
Read also: Government consultation on conversion therapy – statement from Transgender Trend
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