The Archbishop of Liverpool has urged the Government to scrap the proposed Conversion Practices Bill which he believes will limit lawful pastoral care of the Church and freedom of religion.
Most Rev Archbishop John Sherrington, chair of the Department for Social Justice of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England, has raised concerns the bill could stop the church "proclaim[ing] an authentic understanding of the human person".
The draft Conversion Practices Bill could criminalise conduct that causes an individual to have or not have a particular sexual identity or identify as transgender.
Archbishop John warmed that the bill, as he sees it, is "very broad in its scope" - but the Government says that freedom of religious expression will not be weakened.
He said in a statement: “The Catholic Church opposes abuse in all circumstances and so, we recognise that it is important for Governments to use appropriate legislation to protect people from harm and abuse. Current legislation, however, already covers such abusive practices and makes them illegal.
“This Bill proposes to extend the legal definition of abusive practices in ways that threaten a person’s fundamental rights, including freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. The legislation will also create uncertainty around lawful pastoral care by the Church, family life and open conversations that can take place in a range of social settings.
“There are clearly a range of scenarios under this proposed legislation in which legal action of various types may be taken against individuals or organisations, including parents of children, who express well-informed opinions and make well-intentioned statements."
The letter calls for the government to ensure that people of faith remain free to express their beliefs through speech and prayer.
“We call on politicians to abandon this Bill and focus instead on enforcement of existing protections and accessible support for anyone facing abuse or coercion.”
Individuals or those providing healthcare would be held criminally responsible if words of a sexual nature, violent or coercive language, economic pressure or emotional and psychological pressure is alleged.
If serious harm to physical or mental health and serious harm is alleged, those found guilty under the draft Conversion Practices Bill could face up to five years in prison.
If an alleged offence occurs within a company, a director or manager would be held responsible, with members of partnerships and corporate bodies open to facing charges if an offence is alleged.
The bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny, with a committee of six peers and six MPs accepting written evidence until 5pm on Monday 16 November.
Evidence will be given to the committee on Thursday 12 November by representatives of the psychology industry and the president of the British Association of Gender Identity Specialists.
In October, The Christian Institute, the Greater Love Declaration and Affinity wrote a joint letter to Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson warned that the bill could censor ordinary Christian ministry and discussions between parents and children.
Phillipson clarified in The Independent last month saying that the bill "will not impinge" on freedom of expression, religious practice and parenting decisions.
"A society that values freedom must protect everyone's right to live openly and safely as themselves," Bridget Phillipson wrote. "This draft bill draws a clear line: abuse intended to change who someone is has no place in modern Britain. A ban has been supported across the political spectrum for many years - now is the time for Parliament to come together to get it right."
Earlier this month, leader of the opposition and Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch branded the draft legislation as "unworkable" and a "waste of time".
"The reason why it’s a waste of time is in yet another pretend bit of legislation that’s going to confuse and complicate and mean that we lose common sense," Badenoch continued.
"People are afraid to speak to their children and tell the truth, and that’s why we don’t support what Labour is doing.”
Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage has said that "parents should never be criminalised for conversations about gender". The Liberal Democrats support banning conversion therapy.