Although the UK government has rejected the ban of conversion therapy this continues to be the direction of travel. Few people would disagree with the banning of coercive therapy that bullies vulnerable people, particularly when this is children. The trouble with this type of legislation it that it explicitly criminalises anything but ‘affirmation’.  However, The battle is far from over with Labour’s Keir Starmer having made clear that he fully supports a ban and has committed to bringing this about.

The types of conversion therapy though of; exorcism, electro-shock therapy, physical harm, or food deprivation are abhorrent and are already illegal in the UK. Furthermore, there is little evidence that such practices occur in the UK with the Government commissioned report from Coventry University finding very few incidents of conversion therapy and no UK based coercive practices. The current laws are therefore sufficient. Additionally, Keir is proposing a trans-inclusionary ban which will confirm in law that it is possible to have a ‘gender identity’ that is different from you biological reality.

This approach in Canada has created legislation that states that “gender identity” and “gender expression” are not just theoretical concepts open for discussion but are established, unquestionable facts. This transition from theoretical to factual in legal terms limits the space for open dialogue and critical inquiry. It impacts pastors, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals who wish to explore the reasons behind gender confusion before agreeing to irreversible medical procedures.

For instance, parents and professionals who seek to understand the psychological or social factors contributing to a child’s gender dysphoria could now be accused of prolonging the child’s trauma and face criminal charges. This not only stifles legitimate inquiry but also pressures individuals to conform to a specific ideological standpoint under threat of legal repercussions.

This legislation means that church discipleship, pastoral care, and prayer ministry could face prosecution when addressing issues of same-sex attraction or gender identity. For instance, if a church refused to baptise someone in a same-sex relationship or removed someone from leadership unless they repented and turned away from such behaviour, they would likely be in violation of the law.

These proposals would not only drastically reduce the support available to Christians who seek to live according to biblical teachings or to those who wish to avoid same-sex sexual activity, but they would also deliver a significant blow to religious freedom in the UK.