New UK trans law risks criminalising prayer, Church of England warns

The Church of England has expressed concerns that a draft UK law targeting conversion practices could inadvertently criminalize prayer and pastoral care services. Catholic leaders have also called for the bill to be abandoned. The proposed legislation aims to make it illegal to attempt to alter a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, with violators facing up to five years in prison.

This could potentially affect parents who ask their children about their gender identity or religious leaders providing advice and support to individuals questioning their sexuality or gender. Critics argue that the law could undermine legitimate religious activities, family discussions, and everyday pastoral conversations. The Church of England's spokesman emphasized that the General Synod voted in 2017 to ban conversion therapy related to sexual orientation, but stressed that any new legislation must not undermine these activities.

Similarly, Catholic leaders worry that the proposed bill could create uncertainty around family life and religious practices, potentially exposing individuals to legal action for well-intentioned conversations.