Conversion Practices Prohibition: Should We Care?

Last night the Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill passed its second reading with only 7 of the 120 MPs opposing it.

Does it matter? How serious is it really?

I suspect it depends how it is implemented. It might be more symbolic than anything. There might be very few prosecutions. On the other hand, if there is a zealous desire to put it into practice, there could be very serious consequences for many groups, including Christians.

At its worst, the new law will:

• prevent parents from expressing any negative view towards a child who says he/she wants to transition to the other sex (e.g. a parent telling a 12-year-old he/she cannot go onto puberty blockers but rather wait),
• prevent counsellors from discussing other options with a person who says he/she wants to transition,
• prevent Christians from expressing a biblical view on gender or sexuality issues where that is seen as seeking to persuade a  person.
• That, of course, will include preventing Christian pastors and leaders from giving biblical advice. Prayer is explicitly included in the legislation as  "conversion practice" and so would be illegal.

That means that the legislation would also prevent a person wanting to explore his/her gender identity or sexual orientation from hearing different views. This Bill will enforce one view only.

It is noteworthy that the legislation is clear that this refers only to conversion practices opposing gender fluidity or homosexuality. It will be legal to pursue pro- and pro-homosexual "conversion practices".

At its worst, the legislation would seem to deny some basic human rights:

• the right to seek advice and determine one's own future
• the freedom of speech and opinion
• the freedom of religion, including the freedom to practice that religion

Christians could end up in prison for no reason other than expressing biblical teaching and caring enough about people to speak honestly and lovingly to them.

There might still be amendments proposed during the third reading of the Bill. Please make this a matter of urgent and persistent prayer.

See the new Zealand Christian Network's "Urgent Prayer Alert".