Scotland: conversion therapy proposals are ‘a danger’

400 people attended the Christian Institute’s ‘Let Us Pray’ conference at Newton Mearns Baptist Church, Glasgow, where they discussed the Scottish Government's 'dangerous' proposals to end conversion practices in Scotland.

The event featured three talks and a question-and-answer session. Mike Judge of Chorlton Evangelical Church, Manchester led the first talk, which focused on the centrality of conversion to the Christian faith, before Professor David Galloway, Chairman of Logos Scotland and the former President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow spoke about how the Scottish Government’s proposals relate to parenting and the ordinary work of churches.

Simon Calvert, the Christian Institute’s Deputy Director, and Public Affairs Officer Joanna Cook then looked specifically at the Scottish Government’s proposals. They said they, inspired by oppressive conversion therapy laws in the Victorian State in Australia, pose a danger to prayer, pastoral care, preaching and parenting in Scotland.

They referred to comments made by human rights lawyer Aidan O’Neill KC on the legislation, with O’Neill describing the proposals as ‘jelly fish legislation’ which was ‘impossible to grasp,’ but with ‘a sting in the tail.’

The conference ended after a question-and-answer session, and those in attendance were strongly encouraged to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on its proposals.

'The fact that over 400 people were crammed into a 380-seater venue confirms what we already know; that Christians are really concerned...'

Joanna Cook said: ‘The fact that over 400 people were crammed into a 380-seater venue confirms what we already know; that Christians are really concerned about the Scottish Government’s proposals to outlaw conversion therapy. 

‘They recognise that this law is not about protecting people from abuse - there are already an array of laws on our statue book that do that – but about silencing mainstream Christian beliefs about sexuality and gender. 

‘A law of the kind activists want would be devastating for gospel freedom and for loving parenting. That’s why it’s vital the Scottish Government hears just how repressive its plans are, and why it’s so important that Christians in Scotland respond to the public consultation [which ends on 2 April].’