UK Evangelicals Raise Alarm Over Bill That Could Criminalize Sexuality Counseling
Evangelical Christians in the United Kingdom are pushing back against a proposed bill they say could make it illegal to counsel people who experience unwanted same-sex attraction. Church leaders argue the legislation would restrict pastoral conversations and religious freedom. The bill is currently moving through Parliament.
Evangelical leaders across the United Kingdom are sounding the alarm over a proposed bill they say could criminalize pastoral conversations about sexuality, specifically counseling for people who experience unwanted same-sex attraction.
The legislation, which is advancing through Parliament, is framed as a ban on so-called conversion therapy. Supporters say it protects LGBTQ+ individuals from harmful practices. Critics, including a broad coalition of evangelical churches, argue the bill's language is broad enough to cover ordinary pastoral care and prayer.
Church leaders say the bill would make it a criminal offense for a pastor to pray with a congregant who voluntarily seeks help managing same-sex attraction, even if no coercive techniques are used. They argue this crosses into regulating private religious conversations.
The Evangelical Alliance UK, which represents hundreds of churches and organizations, has called on Parliament to narrow the bill's scope to target genuinely harmful practices while protecting religious freedom. The group has submitted formal objections and organized a letter-writing campaign among its member churches.
Government ministers have said the bill is not intended to restrict prayer or pastoral support, but critics say the current wording does not reflect that intent. Legal experts consulted by church groups have warned that prosecutions under the bill as written would be possible.
The debate mirrors similar legislative battles in Canada and several Australian states, where conversion therapy bans have led to legal challenges from religious organizations. UK church leaders say they are watching those cases closely as they prepare their response to Parliament.
