Christian fears over gay conversion ban

A BAN on conversion therapy could criminalise Christians as well as parents and doctors, ministers have been warned.

Campaign group The Christian Institute says it will sue to protect the right to set out their beliefs without fear of prosecution. It has obtained legal advice that the human right to freedom of religious belief could be infringed by a broad outlawing of attempts to change someone’s sexuality or gender identity.

Barrister Jason Coppel wrote: ‘Any prohibition of conversion therapy going beyond the existing criminal law raises serious issues of compatibility.’ He says a Christian could face trouble for ‘sharing their faith’ with a colleague if they complained it included being told they would ‘go to hell for being gay’.

The legal threat will heighten Tory concerns that ministers are wrong to make a fresh attempt to outlaw conversion therapy.

Meanwhile, the Church of England has refused to lift its ban on conducting gay weddings but agreed that same-sex couples can have civil marriages blessed in churches.