Sloppy Queensland Government Homosexual Conversion Therapy Ban
Prohibitions on “gay conversion therapy” are becoming popular with legislators. Of course, no sensible person supports someone being administered – against their will – electroshock therapy or chemicals or oppressive bullying - to make them change their sexual orientation (which are the sort of things most people think of when this phrase is used). But there is a real danger that legislation which goes beyond targeting these specific things will itself interfere with the freedom of people to seek to change unwanted behaviors. Suppose there is a devout Christian person who accepts the Bible’s teaching that same-sex sexual activity is not God’s will, and yet experiences same-sex attraction. They approach their pastor or their small group leader and ask for help to overcome what they see as a sinful attraction, by reading the Bible with them, counseling and regular meetings for prayer. Is that going to be caught by the legislation? Take the current proposals which are befor