UK Evangelicals Warn New Bill Could Criminalize Faith Conversations
UK evangelical groups raised concerns in mid-July 2026 about a new bill they say could effectively criminalize conversations about sexuality in religious settings. Church leaders are calling on Parliament to add protections for faith-based speech before the bill passes.
Evangelical groups in the United Kingdom raised alarms in mid-July 2026 over a new bill they say could criminalize conversations about sexuality in churches, counseling settings, and private homes.
The groups, which include major evangelical networks and church associations, warned that the bill's language is broad enough to cover pastoral conversations, prayer, and religious teaching on marriage and sexuality. They called on Parliament to add explicit protections for faith-based speech before the legislation advances.
Christianity Today reported on July 16, 2026, that church leaders had written to members of Parliament urging amendments. The letter argued that the bill, as written, could expose pastors, counselors, and parents to criminal liability for expressing traditional Christian views on gender and sexuality.
Supporters of the bill say it targets harmful conversion practices and does not restrict genuine pastoral care or religious expression. They argue that existing legal protections for religious speech are sufficient.
Critics disagree. They point to cases in other countries where similar laws have been used to investigate or prosecute religious leaders for speech that fell within mainstream Christian teaching.
The debate reflects a wider tension in the UK between religious freedom protections and laws aimed at preventing harm to LGBTQ individuals. Several denominations have called for a clear legal distinction between coercive conversion practices, which they oppose, and voluntary pastoral conversations, which they say must remain protected.
Parliament was expected to debate amendments to the bill in the coming weeks. Church groups said they would continue lobbying for changes and were prepared to mount legal challenges if the bill passed without adequate protections.
