Moves to criminalise gay ‘conversion therapy’ are gaining momentum, exposing the potential for restrictions on how Christians respond to individuals struggling with same-sex attraction (SSA).
One activist has even described the power of prayer as ‘pernicious’ and said the reach of the law must be extended to cover it.
Equalities minister Liz Truss has confirmed the government is to accelerate plans to end conversion therapies. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged the issues are ‘technically complex’, and three members of the government’s LGBT+ Advisory Panel have recently resigned, saying ministers are insufficiently responsive and are ignorant of the issues.
It is not yet known what form legislation could take. The language so far adopted by ministers suggests overt forms of conversion therapy, such as exorcisms, electric-shock treatment and dedicated counselling sessions would be the target. Many forms already fall within the realms of criminality.
But campaigners are pushing for far-reaching legislation. A former missionary-turned-gay activist wants to criminalise pastors and others in the church who pray for or counsel individuals struggling with a gay lifestyle or SSA.
Writing in the Independent, Matthew Hyndman, who worked as a Christian missionary on Operation Mobilisation ship, Logos Hope, said that after a ‘catastrophic coming out’, his leaders demanded he undergo therapy. He added: ‘Those who resist legislation against conversion therapy often resist the idea of a prayer or a pastoral conversation being subject to the scrutiny of law. However, if these things take place in an overwhelmingly homophobic or transphobic context the pernicious power of prayer must be dealt with.’
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who proposed the legislation, said in a debate that her proposed law ‘does not prevent individuals from seeking guidance from faith leaders’. Kemi Badenoch, also an equalities minister, said: ‘The government have been clear that we do not intend to stop those who wish to seek spiritual counselling as they explore their sexual orientation, but there will be cases when a line is crossed, where someone is actively seeking to change another’s sexual orientation – an innate aspect of their personal identity – via coercion under the guise of spiritual support.’
Dr Carys Moseley, writing on the Christian Concern website, said: ‘The biggest problem now in Parliament and the press is the total lack of real debate and critical analysis of this issue … LGBT activists know very well that sexual attraction is changeable. In 2014, the Department of Health held [an] event on banning “conversion therapy” with mental-health professional bodies. Dominic Davies, CEO of Pink Therapy, spoke at this. He said: “Sexuality can be quite plastic for many people,” and that there are “plenty of examples … of sexual fluidity over a lifespan for many LGB and T people”.’
