Three Christian organisations which represent thousands of churches across the UK have challenged the Minister for Women and Equalities over her assurance that the government’s draft Conversion Practices Bill won't impinge on Christian ministry.
The Christian Institute, the Greater Love Declaration and Affinity have written a joint letter to Bridget Phillipson challenging her claims that the proposed Bill, which was published in June, won’t threaten freedom of religion, expression or parental rights. They say the draft legislation contains no clear guarantees preventing the prosecution of ordinary Christian ministry, pastoral care, prayer or conversations between parents and children.
The draft Bill, currently undergoing scrutiny, is designed to ban “abuse” which could “change” someone’s sexuality or gender identity. In their letter to the Minister, the organisations claim "the definitions of 'conversion practice' and 'abusive' are vague enough to capture ordinary Christian ministry and parental guidance that has never previously been regarded as criminal, and that does not deserve to be made criminal".
The Christian Institute has warned that this could be applied to a parent expressing concern about a child’s decision to “transition” or a pastor expressing basic Christian teaching on gender and sexuality.
In an article for The Independent earlier this month, Phillipson said the Bill “will not impinge" on freedom of expression, religious practice or decisions about parenting.
However, the letter argues that these assurances are not reflected in the wording of the draft legislation.
The letter, signed by Tom Brand, of Greater Love Declaration, Graham Nicholls of Affinity, and Simon Calvert of The Christian Institute, states: “There is nothing on the face of the Bill which guarantees that religious teaching, pastoral care, prayer, or the ordinary work of churches could not be subject to prosecution.”
They're calling on the government to reconsider its plans and have requested a meeting with the Minister following the publication of the Joint Committee’s report on pre-legislative scrutiny, which is due in January.
Simon Calvert, Deputy Director of The Christian Institute, said:
“This draft legislation is one of the most troubling attempts at censorship we’ve seen.
“Parents should not be treated as criminals for expressing concern when their child wants to make permanent changes to their body, especially when such changes can cause long-term physical and psychological harm.
“Neither should pastors be threatened with imprisonment for Christian teaching on marriage, sexuality or gender identity in the presence of a gay or trans person.
“Shouldn’t a pastor be allowed to advise a congregant not to leave his wife and family in order to explore a new “sexuality”? Shouldn’t a church leader be allowed to teach the positive, affirming message that no-one is made in the “wrong body?"
“It’s clear that this legislation goes much too far into policing reasonable conversations and statements of belief. This disproportionate and controversial measure should be shelved.”