Conversion therapy ban to be delayed

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

There are media reports that government plans to ban so-called conversion therapy are being delayed.

ITV News reports that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch has paused work on the ban since taking over her new post. She reportedly wants to review the plans.

A committee of MPs and Lords was expected to scrutinise a bill in the spring.

The Conservative government first promised to ban conversion therapy four years ago under former prime minister Theresa May.

In his time as prime minister, Boris Johnson promised evangelicals that the ban would not include prayer or other forms of pastoral support in churches.

The promise came in response to a letter of concern from the Evangelical Alliance.

The Johnson government also removed trans conversion therapy from the legislation, limiting the reach to sexuality.

Evangelicals are afraid that a ban will in reality criminalise pastors and ordinary church activities.

There is also a growing movement of ex-LGBT people, including many Christians, who say they were helped by therapy.

Liam Hayden, of X-Outloud, said at a conference earlier this year that it was therapy that helped him break free from unwanted same-sex attraction.

"Through the counselling and through understanding where the problem came from, I was able to then bring those issues before God and I was then able to receive healing from it and let it go to God ... Today I am here, I'm still living, it hasn't harmed me," he said.

"If someone wants to take that [therapy] away from me, then you might as well have come into my room and pushed me out the window that day.

"If shame was removed by God and through counselling, if my traumas have been healed so greatly, then does this prove that I was harmed, that I was a victim? Or that I am healed and am a victor?"

News
Prominent Beijing pastor detained amid nationwide arrests of underground church leaders
Prominent Beijing pastor detained amid nationwide arrests of underground church leaders

The arrests have been condemned by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.

Church leaders urge national debate on AI’s impact on work and dignity
Church leaders urge national debate on AI’s impact on work and dignity

We cannot sit on the sidelines, but have a responsibility to engage, point to signs of hope, and do all we can to ensure that the fundamental dignity of every person is upheld.

Glen Scrivener wades into 'the great sex work debate' and Bonnie Blue phenomenon
Glen Scrivener wades into 'the great sex work debate' and Bonnie Blue phenomenon

Christian author and speaker Glen Scrivener has offered thoughtful commentary on 'the great sex work debate' between Louise Perry and Bonnie Blue, hosted by Chris Williamson on his Modern Wisdom podcast. 

Animal rights activists want Archbishop Mullally to ban leather Bibles and beeswax candles
Animal rights activists want Archbishop Mullally to ban leather Bibles and beeswax candles

Animal rights campaigners want the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, to phase out the use of animal-derived materials in churches, including leather-bound Bibles, beeswax candles and wool vestments.