Public consultation closes on Scottish plans to ban conversion practices

A public consultation on plans to criminalise ‘conversion practices’ in Scotland has ended.

Under the proposals, parents and church leaders could face up to seven years in prison if they fail to affirm the sexuality and gender identity of LGBT people.

The plans even include so-called ‘protection orders’ to restrict the speech of people who might say something in the future which LGBT people don’t like.

The Christians Institute (CI) has said it will take the Scottish government to court unless there are robust protections for free speech written into the law.

Joanna Cook, Public Affairs Officer at the CI, said, ‘The government’s plans to introduce “conversion practices protection orders” are especially alarming.