A group of Christian ministers have written to the Prime Minister asking for clarification on plans to ban conversion therapy. 

The open letter has been signed by nine Christian leaders and raises concerns about the potential legislative measures.

The proposals were dropped last week, after the Government decided that the current legislation - which outlaws coercive and abusive methods of conversion - was sufficient.

Hours later, a U-turn meant that the ban was back on the table. 

Now, members of the transgender community are excluded from the proposed ban - a move that has left many concerned that they will not be protected against conversion therapy. 

However, the new letter states that the decision to exclude transgenderism from the new legislation is a good one, as it "removes the threat of criminalising those seeking to help vulnerable young people on this issue".

Highlighting that time is of the essence, the missive concludes: "Therefore we wish to ask for urgent clarification from you whether you intent to legislate to make it illegal for Christian ministers to teach and pastor people of every age according to the Christian view of marriage. 

"It goes without saying that we will do so, no matter what, for it is our duty to God; but it would be a terrible and tragic mistake for the UK government to make us criminals for exercising and teaching mainstream, historic Christianity." 

A previous letter, signed by 2,500 Christian ministers and pastoral workers, was penned in December 2021, addressed to the Minister for Women and Equalities. The letter laid out "serious reservations" about the proposed law.