Conversion therapy ban: Johnson takes “freedom of religion very seriously”
Johnson has confirmed that any ban on conversion therapy will not apply to LGBTQ+ adults who seek “pastoral support”.
Prime minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that any potential ban on conversion therapy in the UK will not apply to adults who seek “pastoral support” while exploring their identity. In a letter to the Evangelical Alliance, seen by Premier Christian News, Johnson said: “I want to reassure you that I take freedom of speech and freedom of religion very seriously”, adding that he does “not want to see clergy and church members criminalised for normal non-coercive activity.”
Johnson was responding to a letter written in March by the Evangelical Alliance and seen by ITV News, which claimed a full conversion therapy ban could interfere with “common church activities”. The letter also stated that “for evangelical Christians, the teaching of the Bible is clear that sexual activity is restricted to monogamous marriage between one man and one woman.”
It continued: “For Christians who hold to this biblical teaching, it is essential that those who experience same-sex attraction are free to pursue and receive support to help them live in accordance with their beliefs.” Despite Johnson’s letter, he has insisted that his government will ‘stamp out’ conversion therapy. March 28 marked 1,000 days since he first promised to do so.
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