PCI’s key concerns regarding the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill

Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill
Key issues for consideration
The Second Stage debate on the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill is due to conclude in the Northern Ireland Assembly next week and there is currently a public consultation for the Bill,  the deadline for submissions is 1st October 2027.  To make a submission please go to: https://consult.nia-yourassembly.org.uk/communities/conversion-practices-criminalisation-bill/ 
PCI has set out its concerns about the Bill and does not support it in its current form. We recognise the importance of protecting people from genuine coercion and abuse and are supportive of the existing laws which already do this. However, we are concerned that the Bill as drafted is too broad and insufficiently clear, with potentially significant implications for religious freedom, families, children and individual freedom of conscience.
Those who wish to respond to the Bill may wish to consider the following issues and express their own views in their own words.
1. Is there sufficient clarity about what constitutes ‘conversion therapy’?
The Bill creates offences relating to providing ‘conversion therapy’ and engaging in ‘coercive conversion behaviour’. PCI is concerned that the definition of conversion therapy is too broad and lacks clarity, creating uncertainty about the range of activities that could fall within the scope of the offence. The definition includes counselling or any form of talking therapy, coaching or instruction — terms which could encompass a wide range of legitimate and non-coercive activities, including pastoral care, Bible studies, preaching and teaching.
Consider whether ordinary church activities such as pastoral care, Bible studies, preaching, teaching or prayer could potentially fall within such definitions.
2. What could the reference to ‘suppression’ mean for Christian teaching?
The Bill refers to an intention to ‘change or suppress’ a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Christian teaching seeks to shape how believers understand and live their lives. This includes teaching that sexual activity belongs within marriage and teaching on celibacy and abstinence. Consider whether such teaching could potentially be characterised as an attempt to ‘suppress’ sexual orientation, and what this could mean for churches and individuals who voluntarily choose to live according to their Christian convictions.
3. What protections are there for families and parents?
PCI is concerned about the potential implications of the Bill for parents seeking to guide, protect and set boundaries for their children in relation to sex, relationships and gender.
The proposed threshold of ‘fear, alarm or distress’ is particularly significant. Children may experience these emotions during ordinary conversations with their parents, particularly where parents are setting boundaries or expressing views with which their child disagrees.
Consider whether the Bill provides sufficient protection for legitimate parental guidance, discipline and safeguarding.
4. Does the Bill adequately respect individual choice and conscience?
Individuals should be free to seek support to live in accordance with their sincerely held beliefs and conscience. This may include voluntarily seeking pastoral care, prayer, teaching or other support in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Bill provides that the consent of the person receiving the therapy is not a defence. It also provides a defence where the therapy was ‘reasonable in the particular circumstances’, but does not clearly define what would constitute reasonable therapy.
Consider whether these provisions provide sufficient protection for consensual and non-coercive support.


5. Is there a need for new legislation? 
PCI is firmly of the view that existing legislation is sufficient to deal with genuine cases of abuse and coercion and that new legislation is not required. Where abusive or coercive behaviour occurs, the appropriate response is to ensure that the protections and remedies already available in law are effectively applied.
Of further concern is that the Bill introduces broadly defined offences without clear and robust safeguards. The breadth and lack of clarity within the Bill risks bringing legitimate and non-coercive activity within the scope of the criminal law, with serious implications for religious freedom, freedom of conscience, parental responsibility and individual autonomy.
​