Conversion therapy back on the table?

The Association of Christian Teachers (ACT) written a letter to the Prime Minister in response to recent developments regarding the government's decision to move forward with a ban on gay and transgender conversion therapy. According to media reports, the Prime Minister will introduce a draft bill in the King's speech aimed at criminalizing "coercive" efforts to alter an individual's sexuality and gender. Below is a copy of the letter:

Dear Prime Minister

I am writing on behalf of The Association of Christian Teachers (ACT) to express concerns about the proposed ban on 'conversion therapy.' We wrote to the government last year to express our concerns on behalf of educational professionals who hold orthodox Christian views on sexual ethics and transgender matters, and we engaged with the Government Equalities Office on the topic.

As Christians, we obviously support the protection of children from abuse. But we fear the broad definition of 'conversion therapy' used in all the discussions around this issue is bound to affect both the wording of the legislation and, crucially, its implementation by the police and the courts. Our concern is that any legislation in this highly controversial space may inadvertently harm children and potentially criminalise teachers. ACT calls for an urgent reconsideration of whether there is a need for new legislation.

I reiterate the main concerns that we previously communicated here:

1) The ban may cause harm to children who need to discuss gender and sexuality issues with school professionals. This is especially important to those feeling under pressure to identify as transgender when actually they have other underlying mental health needs. The fear of being accused of conversion therapy could deter teachers and professionals from providing necessary support.

2) Proposals may infringe on children's human rights and liberties. Voluntary pastoral conversations of a religious nature between teacher/school chaplain and student might be criminalized. This could discriminate against their religious traditions.

3) Autistic and SEND children, more prone to gender dysphoria, might lose crucial pastoral and safeguarding advice. A broad ban on conversion therapy could create an affirmation-only approach that results in these children being wrongly influenced into making radical (and sometimes irreversible) decisions, without proper informed consent.

4) The legislation may undermine the ethos of many Christian schools. Schools with a biblical understanding of identity and sexuality would be at risk of being reported to the authorities for their pastoral work by activists who disagree with their religious beliefs.

5) It shouldn't be a criminal offence for educational professionals to express their religious beliefs gently and graciously to pupils when prompted, particularly on traditional Christian views about gender and sexuality. If the UK ban is anything like those in other jurisdictions, it might make it unlawful for teachers to take part in these discussions.

While abusive and coercive methods must be condemned by all right-thinking people, they are already punishable under existing law.

This proposed ban seems driven by lobby groups seeking to enforce their particular social and political perspectives, discriminating against families, children and teachers with differing views. 

Our members have no desire to become criminals, and as a Christian organisation, we place a high value on being law-abiding citizens. It is extraordinary that we find ourselves in a position where this could be jeopardised by the Government giving in to activists who are openly hostile to us because of our beliefs.

We would be grateful if you would please assure us that our concerns are being heeded and that there will be no new law on conversion therapy.  However, if the Government is determined to legislate, then we would argue strongly that there must be a much clearer, balanced and more equitable definition of the term ‘conversion therapy’ which does not result in traditional Biblical beliefs being outlawed and Christian teachers placed unfairly and unjustly in the firing line for holding to their deeply held religious beliefs.

Yours Sincerely

Lizzie Harewood

ACT Executive Officer