Wales

The Westminster Government has committed to producing a draft 'conversion practices' Bill for England and Wales. For draft Bills there should be a public consultation on the actual wording of the legislation. And a joint committee of MPs and Peers would normally scrutinise it. Only after that can the Bill be proposed to Parliament for debate and amendment before eventually becoming law.

In the last Parliament, several unsuccessful attempts were made to legislate on ‘conversion therapy’. In the House of Commons, Alicia Kearns MP tabled amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill. A Private Member’s Bill was also introduced by Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP. In the House of Lords, Lib Dem Peer Baroness Burt brought a Private Member's Bill.

In each of these cases, the legislation would have applied to Wales alongside England. Legal advice is clear that the ordinary work of churches would have been restricted in each of these instances.

Criminal Justice is not devolved to the Welsh Parliament, so the Senedd cannot introduce ‘conversion therapy’ offences of its own. But it has said it will do anything within its powers to progress the cause, including interventions in Health and Education.

Let Us Pray will continue providing help and guidance on how to speak out against a dangerously broad conversion therapy law. Join the campaign and we will keep you up to date, and help you be an influence when it matters most.