Prayer? Unlawful. Puberty blockers? Fine

In April the New South Wales Conversion Practices Ban Act came into effect. Its stated aim is “to ban practices directed to changing or suppressing the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals”. The reaction from the churches has been mixed.

Churches of a more “progressive” bent broadly welcome the ban. More-Biblical churches are concerned – although some leaders think that it will not make much difference. They argue that prayer is not banned. The legislation explicitly states that general religious teachings, sermons, private prayer or personal reflection are not considered conversion practices and are not illegal. For example, expressing religious beliefs or seeking spiritual guidance through prayer is permitted.

However, that is not the whole story. The government-funded Anti-Discrimination NSW put out a video which explicitly stated that prayer is amongst the practices that are unlawful. To pray that someone would have their sexual orientation changed, or their sexual desires suppressed, would be illegal.