Proposed Conversion Bill undermines parents' role and religious freedom, says Evangelical Alliance
The UK government have published draft proposals for a conversion practices bill. The Evangelical Alliance has consistently spoken out against forced and abusive activities relating to someone’s sexual orientation or whether someone considers themselves transgender. The Evangelical Alliance has also noted that the law protects against abuse and should be used to address such abusive practices.
The Evangelical Alliance has regularly spoken out against the dangers of a badly drafted law restricting the freedom of churches and the support parents and carers provide for children.
The Evangelical Alliance raised concerns about previous proposals to address conversion practices and considers that the current proposals are too subjective, lack clarity and create immense risk of criminalising parents and church activity.
Peter Lynas, UK director of the Evangelical Alliance, commented: “The proposed conversion practice legislation is deeply concerning and is underpinned by the threat of up to five years in prison.
The proposals fundamentally undermine the role of parents and carers while also ignoring freedom of religion and belief. The definition of abusive practices is entirely subjective and could leave a wide range of people at risk of prosecution even years later.
We are disappointed that the concerns we have consistently raised have been ignored and we will work with others to challenge these proposals.”
Notes to editors
To arrange an interview with the Evangelical Alliance, and the director of advocacy, Danny Webster, please email director of communications & engagement, Theresa Stone at: [email protected]
About the Evangelical Alliance
We are the Evangelical Alliance. We join together hundreds of organisations, thousands of churches and tens of thousands of individuals for the sake of the gospel. Representing our members since 1846, the Evangelical Alliance is the oldest and largest evangelical unity movement in the UK.
We love Jesus and we want everyone in the UK to be given an opportunity to know Him.
We love His church, and we will do all we can to unite evangelicals, building confidence in the gospel and speaking as a trusted voice into society to see it changed for Him.
Working across the UK, with offices in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast, our members come together from across denominations, locations, age groups and ethnicities, all sharing a passion to know Jesus and make Him known.
