#167 – Conversion therapy and civil liberties 🗓
With Simon Calvert
Christians stand accused of abusing gay and transgender people. Countries across the West are putting ‘conversion therapy’ bans in place, intended to protect those who call themselves LGBT. But all is not as it seems.
The abusive practices that activists say should be prevented are already outlawed by existing legislation. These new ‘conversion therapy’ bans are much wider. They are set to criminalise the ordinary work of churches – prayer, pastoral care and preaching – as well as Christian parenting.
Any conversations about LGBT issues that are not deemed “affirming” could result in a police investigation. Standing up for our freedom can seem daunting when we are wrongly accused. Simon Calvert explains how to speak out on this vexed issue.
Simon Calvert
Simon Calvert has been with The Christian Institute since qualifying as a solicitor in 1996 where he has applied his legal training to parliamentary work and to helping Christians discriminated against because of their faith.
Simon advises on the potential impact of legislation, drafts amendments to Bills and assists UK Parliamentarians with speeches. He has a particular interest in free speech and laws that inhibit public preaching of the gospel.
Simon has played a key role in many successful campaigns and speaks to the media as The CI’s spokesman.
A native of the North East of England, Simon is married with two children.
