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Conversion Practices Bill: Why Christians, Parents, and Churches Must Engage and Respond

ByCViE

The Government’s proposed Conversion Practices Bill has become headline news in recent days. The proposals have potentially far-reaching implications for family life, pastoral ministry, freedom of speech and religious liberty. It is important that individual Christians engage with this issue.

The Government’s proposed Conversion Practices Bill has become headline news in recent days. The bill is currently undergoing parliamentary scrutiny, and a public call for evidence has been opened. For many, this may sound like a niche political issue. It is not.

The proposals have potentially far-reaching implications for family life, pastoral ministry, freedom of speech and religious liberty. While the stated aim of the Bill is to protect people from coercive and abusive practices, many (both Christian and non-Christian) are concerned that the legislation, as currently drafted, could have serious consequences for ordinary parenting, counselling, pastoral care, prayer and even preaching.

It is encouraging that there is a huge amount of opposition to this Bill from across society including even from the Church of England. It is important that individual Christians engage with this issue – do take the time to understand the proposals and make your voices heard during Parliament’s call for evidence, which closes on Monday 16th November at 5pm.

We provide further background and links to more detailed resources about how to respond below.

Why are people concerned?

Few would disagree that genuine abuse should be prohibited and victims protected. However, existing laws already address assault, harassment, coercive behaviour and other forms of abuse.

The concern raised by organisations such as The Christian Institute and Christian Concern is that the current draft bill goes beyond preventing abuse and introduces broad, vague, subjective language that (especially in the hands of activists) could place normal family conversations and ordinary church practice within its scope.

The Christian Institute argues that the Bill could affect:

  • Parents who take a cautious approach when a child questions their gender identity.
  • Church leaders offering pastoral support and biblical guidance.
  • Christians praying with someone who has requested prayer.
  • Conversations about marriage, sexuality and gender within churches and families.

Christian Concern similarly warns that pastors, parents and Christian counsellors could face investigations based on allegations that conversations or prayer were “controlling” or “abusive”, even where they were requested and entirely consensual. There are even concerns that third parties could bring allegations even when the supposed abused individual has not made any complaints.

Reports in the press suggest that activist organisations such as Stonewall have had a huge influence over the wording of the bill and as such it risks enshrining contested concepts such as gender self-identification into law by the back door.

Why this matters to parents

Parents have a God-given responsibility to guide, nurture and care for their children. Many Christians are concerned that the proposed legislation could make ordinary parental decisions vulnerable to challenge. Although perhaps an extreme example, the loose wording of the bill could leave a parent open to prosecution and even 5 years in prison for refusing to go along with their teenager’s desire to self-identify as a cat. Parents must remain free to exercise careful judgement and Biblical principles when responding to questions surrounding sexuality and gender identity without fear that such decisions could later be characterised as harmful or coercive. This bill rejects the common sense principle that parents will generally know what is best for their children, and represents a wholly unwarranted state intrusion into family life.

Why this matters to churches

Conversion is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith and it is no coincidence that this word is used in the context of this Bill. Christians believe that the gospel changes lives, teaching repentance from sin, growth in holiness and increasing conformity in our lives to God’s revealed will. This means that faithful churches preach a message that is countercultural and will contradict the norms of society, especially regarding sexuality and gender.

The fear expressed by many Christian organisations is that preaching about conversion & the need to repent, prayer, and pastoral counselling could fall foul of this law. However, concerns are not simply about potential prosecution, but also about the effect of self-censorship the legislation may have. If pastors, church leaders, Sunday school teachers and church members become uncertain about what they can safely say, many may choose silence rather than risk investigation. And of course, the faithful proclamation of the Christian gospel should never be subject to legal challenge.

Engage & Respond

The Joint Committee scrutinising the Bill has issued a public call for evidence, providing an opportunity for churches, parents and individuals to explain how the proposals may affect them and their communities. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 16th November.

This is not merely an opportunity for lawyers or campaign groups. Ordinary Christians can contribute valuable insight into how these proposals may affect family life, church ministry, prayer, pastoral care and freedom of expression.

Helpful resources

If you would like to understand the issues more fully or make a submission to the consultation, the following resources are particularly helpful:

These guides provide background information, explain the proposed legislation and offer practical assistance for those wishing to engage with the consultation process.

A final word

The Church should always oppose genuine abuse. But Christians should also be vigilant whenever legislation risks restricting the freedom to teach, pray, counsel and parent according to deeply-held biblical convictions.

This is not a matter to ignore. This is a hugely dangerous piece of legislation. Please read the proposals. Consider the concerns being raised. Pray for wisdom for our lawmakers. And, while there is still opportunity, take part in the call for evidence.

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