Thinking theologically about the proposed ban on conversion therapy

Jul 8, 2022 by

by Martin Davie, Christian Today:

In the Queen’s Speech delivered on her behalf by the Prince of Wales on 10 May this year it was announced that ‘Legislation will also be introduced to ban conversion therapy.’ This legislation would cover England and Wales and according to the background briefing notes to the speech issued by the Prime Minister’s office, the purpose of the legislation would be to ‘Ban conversion therapy practices intended to change sexual practice.’

The briefing notes also explain that the legislation would involve:

‘Strengthening existing criminal law by ensuring that violent conversion therapy is recognised as a potential aggravating factor upon sentencing.

Introducing a criminal offence banning non-physical conversion therapies to complement existing legislation which protects people from acts which inflict physical harm. The offence will protect under-18s, regardless of circumstance, and over-18s who do not consent and who are coerced or forced to undergo conversion therapy practices.

Ensuring those found guilty of conversion therapy offences have any profit they obtained from those crimes removed and strengthening the case for such individuals to be disqualified from holding a senior role in a charity.

Introducing Conversion Therapy Protection Orders. These would set out certain conditions to protect a person from undergoing the practice, including removing a passport for those at risk of being taken abroad, or any requirement the court considers necessary to protect that person.’

To say that this proposed legislation is controversial would be an understatement. There are passionate opinions both for and against it. On the one hand there are those who think that a ban on conversion therapy is long overdue and who would argue that it needs to include a ban on conversion therapy practices relating to gender identity. On the other hand, there are those who feel that a ban is unnecessary and would endanger personal, clinical, and religious freedom.

How then should we view the prospect of a ban on conversion therapy from a Christian perspective?

Read here

 

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