News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Conversion banner .jpg
Conversion thumb .jpg
UK News

Northern Ireland Executive threatened with legal action over including prayer in conversion therapy ban

by Kelly Valencia

The Christian Institute has written a letter to the Northern Ireland Executive threatening legal action if praying for someone about their sexual orientation is included in the conversion therapy (CT) ban. 

A ban on conversion therapy in Northern Ireland is in the works after a motion, brought by Ulster Unionist assembly members (MLAs) Doug Beattie and John Stewart, was approved in April. 

In a letter addressed to the Executive's Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA, the Christian Institute argues that "a badly drafted CT ban could inadvertently criminalise those in churches and other faith communities who adhere to traditional beliefs about marriage and gender identity and be open to legal challenge".

"Should any proposals from the Department infringe upon the everyday church activities outlined within the enclosed Opinion our client will not hesitate, where appropriate, to seek a judicial review," the letter reads. 

Speaking to Premier, Simon Calvert, head of public policy at the Christian Institute, said their concern is not with banning conversion therapy per se but instead they are worried that activists are wanting to ban "ordinary everyday practices of churches" such as preaching, pastoring, praying and even parenting. 

"That's our concern. It's that ordinary praying and preaching in churches could be deemed to be conversion therapy. And then you get in a situation where the police and the courts are adjudicating on whether or not somebody prayed the wrong kind of prayer," he said. 

The charity also argued that the current draft of the ban could lead to a potential breach of human rights and added that they will be willing to seek "to have the legislation declared incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights or struck down". 

Simon Calvert stressed that the purpose of the letter is to "remind the government of its obligations under human rights law" and to remind people that there are "very strong legal reasons why you cannot outlaw prayer". 

He went on to encourage people to pray for "fairer media coverage". 

"I think the media coverage on this has been very one-sided. And I think that people have not been questioned properly about it, do you really want to criminalise the preaching and practice of evangelical theology? because for some people, that is clearly what they want. And I think most people would think that that is quite wrong and quite repressive." 
 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate