Defend Freedom for ‘Conversion Therapy’

By

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25 October 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addresses the 2023 Conservative Party Conference

Despite prior intense media speculation that Rishi Sunak was considering shelving plans for the introduction of a ban on prayer and ministry seen as ‘conversion therapy’, The Guardian reports this attack on Christian freedom is back on the table and could be included in the King’s Speech scheduled for 7th November 2023.

However, a post on X/Twitter suggests Miriam Cates MP is organising a Tory campaign against such a ban. We have less than two weeks to pray and act for biblical truth:

Email your MP using the Parliament link HERE →

When writing to or emailing your MP, use the arguments here if you wish, but most importantly, express your opposition to a ban in your own words. Posting a letter to your MP at ‘House of Commons, LONDON, SW1A 0AA’ is even more effective.

Sign our petition: Defend
‘Gay Conversion Therapy’ →

What is ‘conversion therapy’?

Astonishingly, no-one can define ‘gay conversion therapy’ or say where it is happening. Electric shock therapy hasn’t been offered here for fifty years, so is it just people chatting to one another? Is it prayer and ministry for those who want to be free of same-sex desires? Is it explaining to a girl that climbing trees does not make you a boy?

Some campaigners, including the professional CofE lesbian Jayne Ozanne, have called for a conversion therapy ban to include ‘a broad range of settings’. The professed Christian says these would even include church environments and Christian camps. Whether it does so explicitly or not, such a measure would be a major assault on Christian liberties and human rights, notably freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of assembly. Legal counsel will already be queuing up to mount legal challenges on those grounds.

The scriptural position is that such freedoms are not handed down by the state in any case. Our duty to preach the Gospel, save the lost, heal the sick and deliver the oppressed are commanded by our Lord himself and the apostles. (See our ‘Read’ points below’)

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What this ban means

A ban on talking about sexual or gender issues could mean that Christians, pastors, religious leaders, teachers, psychiatric professionals, parents and even friends could be prosecuted for attempting to put children on the right track or offering counselling sessions through prayers and the word of God.

Furthermore, a ban would remove God-given rights and duties from parents who truly want the best for their children. What authority does the state possess to monitor prayer and deliverance? Or is it the mere suggestion that someone might not want to remain homosexual that offends the activists? Could the omission of a ‘trans’ ban mean that ‘gender reassignment’ with hormones and surgical mutilation is not the marvellous thing the likes of Stonewall and Mermaids pretend?

In addition, schools are now awash with pro-gay and pro-trans ideology, as our previous articles reveal. No doubt there is a spiritual dimension to their campaigns and even to such feelings.

Conversion therapy vs ‘trans’ advice

There is a clear distinction between two possible levels of alleged ‘conversion therapy’.

For homosexuality, it would mean supportive and consensual prayer and counselling for unwanted same-sex desires or confusion over a person’s sexual ‘orientation’.

For ‘gender dysphoria’ it would be advising someone, probably an adolescent, who is dissatisfied with his/her sex as discerned (not ‘assigned’!) at birth that it will be better to accept how the good Lord has made them, rather than go on the ‘trans pathway’ of irreversible hormones and surgical mutilation.

However, the British Psychological Society (BPS) , NHS England and the Royal College of Psychiatrists all claim that all types of ‘conversion therapy’ are ‘unethical and potentially harmful’, as if the trans pathway isn’t. Their position appears not to be evidence-based but adopted as a result of pro-gay activism against or within those institutions.

‘Affirmative’ approach to ‘gender dysphoria’

In recent times, a perspective known as the ‘affirmative’ approach to ‘gender dysphoria’ has emerged within clinical settings, including the contentious Tavistock Clinic within the NHS. When dealing with cases of what they call ‘gender dysphoria,’ this approach tells clinicians merely to validate a child’s ‘self-identified gender identity’ instead of raising questions or looking for possible psychological background. Perhaps the child is on the autism spectrum. Perhaps they are having difficulty accepting the normal process of puberty..

Subsequently, despite any underlying emotional problems, the affirmative trans pathway leads to placing the child on a medical course of action that may result in lifelong and irreversible consequences. It is important to note that these interventions, whether hormone therapy or the inevitable ‘gender reaffirming’ surgery, have significant, permanent effects. Boys are prevented from growing up. Girls end up with deepened voices and start growing facial hair.

The Equality Act allowed King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to paint this 'Progress Pride' abomination on a walkway at their Princess Royal Hospital, Orpington. — NHS is pro-trans: The Equality Act allowed King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to paint this ‘Progress Pride’ abomination on a walkway at their Princess Royal Hospital, Orpington.

There have been published reports of teenagers who now regret what their lives turned out to be, having undergone ‘treatment’ for ‘gender dysphoria’. Some have taken legal action against the Tavistock. And although the latter is now set to close, such is the pro-trans attitude in NHS Trusts that its hydra-headed replacements are sure to perpetuate what will be seen in years to come as a major medical scandal.

We are talking about young boys having their private parts inverted, needing constant insertion of objects with artificial lubrication to keep the constructed passage open. Read here about the tragedy of Jazz Jennings, whose mental health issues after ‘gender reassignment’ have led to binge eating, a weight gain of 7 stone and an inability to form any kind of adult relationship. We are also talking about girls having double mastectomies of healthy breasts with the resulting surplus skin cut to place their nipple approximately when a man’s would be. Read here about Sinead Watson’s bitter regrets. It is heartbreaking that a constitutionally Christian country would permit such barbarism.

How common is conversion therapy?

UK-wide “LGBT” Survey in 2018, about 5% of the 108,000 respondents said they had been offered some undefined form of conversion therapy, while 2% had undergone it.

About 10% of Christian respondents and 20% of Muslims said they had undergone or been offered conversion therapy, whatever it was, compared to 6% of those with no religion.

More than half of those who had received the ‘therapy’ said it had been conducted by a faith group, while a fifth received it from healthcare professionals.

Who wants ‘conversion therapy’ banned?

“LGBTQ” lobby group, Stonewall clearly campaigns against ‘conversion therapy’. It claims that there is nothing therapeutic about the process of convincing or talking people out of either having same-sex relationships or attempting to ‘change gender’. Stonewall claim ‘conversion therapy’ is an abuse, again, with no evidence of what it is that is happening, if anything.

According to the organisation, ‘more than 1.5 million “LGBTQ+” people in England and Wales remain ‘at risk’ of the attempt they again describe as ‘harmful attempts to cure us’.

The pro-gay and pro-trans activists call, as one might expect, for ‘a clear and concrete timetable from the UK Government’ ‘No more delays. No more loopholes. Time is running out,’ they add, mysteriously. Once more, it is the concept that someone might not want to be gay or might reject the trans pathway which is bothering them. Make no mistake, this is a spiritual war.

The Biblical position

Christian Voice strongly opposes any ban on conversion therapy. Freedom to prayer and talk is God’given and the hallmark of a civilised society. Stopping children from ‘transitioning’ is essential. There should be no ban on helping children come to terms with the sex they were born as and no ban or prayer and counselling.

We maintain that it would infringe not just human rights but the teachings of the Bible, which places sexual activity solely inside heterosexual marriage and warns against thinking better than our Creator.

Further, the Evangelical Alliance, which represents 3,500 churches, also agrees that a ban could jeopardise religious freedoms.

However, the Church of England, sadly sold out to secularism, and blind to the medical abuse of the ‘trans pathway’, says prayer or counselling has ‘no place in the modern world’.

Read our previous articles:

Tavistock to Face Legal Action →

Costa promotes mutilation as Government delays schools “transgender” guidance →

Schools adopt gender-neutral uniforms to allow pupils to “self-identify” →

Tory MP to introduce a “sex education transparency” Bill →

Transgender teenager dies after vaginoplasty surgery →

UK Govt faces legal action over RSE →

Mutilation ruins girl’s life →

‘Heartbroken’ father sues NHS to stop autistic son’s sex change →

Gay Conversion Therapy ban? Here come the Thought Police →

Read and Pray

Gen 1:27-28, 2:24; Lev 20:13, Deut 6:6-7; Prov 16:12, 25:5, 29:14; Isa 29:16, 45:9-10; Ezek 16:49-50; Matt 9:12; 10:8, 17:21, 18:1-10, 19:4-6; Mark 9:29, 10:6-8, 16:15; Luke 5:31, 9:2, 10:9; Rom 1:25-27; 1Cor 6:9; Gal 5:19; Eph 6:4; Col 3:5; 2Tim 4:2-4; Heb 13:4; 1John 3:7-8.

Pray that people will sign our petition and write to their MP regarding the issue. Thank God for those MPs lending their voices to safeguard both children and basic freedom.

Pray that God will grant victory and no ‘conversion therapy’ ban will be in the King’s Speech on 7th November. Continue to pray without ceasing for our leaders to repent, for God’s institution of the family to be honoured and for our children to be protected.

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NHS to Fast-track Surgery for ‘Trans’ Patients

By

Makeda

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29 November 2022

0

NHS SCOTLAND — National Services Scotland

Scotland’s NHS service is planning to fast-track irreversible surgeries for people who believe they are the opposite sex, according to the Telegraph.
A report by the service claims ‘barriers’ to gender reassignment surgery need to be removed and operations made more widely available. These operations include mastectomies, breast implants, and genital reassignment, as well as hormone treatments.
The document also claims the new plan can ‘benefit’ patients who identify as a different gender.
Furthermore, the report includes a suggestion that GPs rather than specialists be allowed to send patients for procedures. It says a single opinion is enough to refer for surgery in most cases.

Mental health issue

The group that wrote the report named it SPATH (Scottish Pathway for Trans Healthcare) in an apparent attempt to link itself to WPATH. World Association for Transgender Health(WPATH) is a group that advocates gender surgery for adolescents.
Firstly, the report states that counselling or psychotherapy examining gender identity is not a prerequisite for any gender-affirming healthcare. This means that people could be sent for operations without any interrogation of alternative reasons for gender dysphoria.
Additionally, It adds that no one is expected to describe their sexuality or current gender identity in stereotypical ways in order to access gender-affirming healthcare.
‘Access to hormones and surgeries can act as a prophylactic measure against distress. A person who identifies as a different gender can have persistent gender incongruence without distress and can still benefit from gender-affirming hormones or surgeries.’

Quick Fix?

A director with the For Women Scotland campaign group (FWS), said surgeries on healthy bodies should not be seen as a quick fix. Trina Budge added that there was no proof they resolved gender dysphoria.
‘This now appears to be a service to fast-track surgeries selected by the patient, to satisfy how they wish to look, rather than any clinical attempt to address a mental health issue’, she said.
Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon’s government has urged Lady Haldane(Judge) to dismiss a case brought by FWS.
The campaign group insists it is quite clear that UK legislation allows a male to become legally female.
FWS argues that the change which the government hopes would boost the number of persons identifying as a different gender, is unlawful under the Equality Act.
However, Ruth Crawford, KC, representing the government, believes that a person born male could be legally seen as a woman under the 2004 Gender Recognition Act.

‘Very troubling indeed’

The plans to enforce these rules in Scotland follow approaches advocated by a group called the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
The organisation assert that it is unethical for medical professionals to stop children from receiving the treatment if they want to stop developing into the wrong sex. WPATH also suggests the age at which children should be able to receive such treatment should be lowered to 14.
Dr David Bell, a whistleblower at England’s Gender Identity Service for children(GIDS) even said it was ‘very troubling indeed’ to see the Scottish moving in this direction.
‘We have an ethical duty towards young people and adults not to treat things at face value,’ he added.
Christian Voice in several articles has said in accordance with the Bible that healthy people require no medications.
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Is it not harmful to society that young people will as a result of these new treatments make decisions that will have an adverse effect on their lives?

State-endorsed form of ‘social transition’

A spokesman for NHS Scotland said the organisation would soon submit its final recommendations for a new treatment to SNP ministers.
‘This new protocol draws upon the widest appropriate evidence base and relevant clinical data,’ he added.
Subject to Scottish Government approval, it will replace the current arrangements. This will date from 2012 and determine gender reassignment pathways throughout NHS Scotland.

The Issue

Aside from the cost of living crisis, the treatment of gender and sexuality in children and adolescents is still a topic of public debate. The first shock came from psychoanalyst Dr. Marcus Evans, who served on the board of Tavistock Gender Identity Development Services (GIDS).
The consultant quit his job after denouncing that doctors were subjected to censorship at the clinic.

They expressed concern, for example, about the hurried procedures that resulted in ‘inadequate clinical assessments’ and premature interventions on young patients.
Dr. Evans also revealed that many of his colleagues were under attack from activist groups to keep the issue secret.

The Big Regret

The case of a 26-year-old female(now Sam) who underwent a double mastectomy and hormone therapy to become male is worth reading.
The young lady, decided to pay for private therapy sessions when she began to question her gender identity at the age of 21. This follows a two and a half years wait period for an NHS appointment.
She was initially thrilled to have had a private appointment, and after an online self-diagnosis was given the go-ahead to begin hormone therapy and undergo a double mastectomy.
Just two years after the hormone treatment and a double mastectomy, she began suffering health complications. The young woman realised a full gender reassignment surgery was not the answer.
By the time her initial NHS appointment came through, it fully dawned on her she had made a mistake and tried to seek help to re-transition.
After two years of taking hormones, she began to suffer vaginal atrophy and decided to opt out of the gender reassignment surgery. She has transitioned back to living as a woman.

Other Cases

The story above is not an isolated case. As reported on our website, the stories are piling up of young people who change their gender and eventually regret it. A related organisation referred to as Detransition Advocacy Network was formed to bring them together.
Meanwhile, hundreds of young adults are turning to the organisation. They are protesting that hormone treatment has not solved their problems. At the same time, the number of minors who turn to GIDS is increasing exponentially. In 2009, there were 77 children and adolescents. Ten years later, there are already 2590 referrals per year.
What has caused this increase? Ideology? Interest? Or just a greater awareness of gender dysphoria?
The Telegraph wrote that 35 doctors resigned from the GIDS, much like Dr. Evans in order to resist pressure from the campaign group Mermaids.

Scriptural and Scientific Evidence

The Bible in different chapters has made clear God’s intentions for mankind. Any attempt to alter God’s creation will eternally not bring peace except in the place of repentance.
Mark 10:6-7 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female…For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife.
Genesis 5:1-2 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him… Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
Dr. Paul McHugh, a professor of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says that ‘transgendered’ men do not become women, nor do ‘transgendered’ women become men.
Research online maintains that sex reassignment does not adequately address the psychosocial difficulties faced by people who identify as transgender. Even when the procedures are successful technically and cosmetically. In cultures that are relatively ‘trans-friendly,’ transitioners still face poor outcomes.
The Guardian summarised the results of a review by Birmingham University’s Aggressive Research Intelligence Facility(ARIF).
ARIF concludes that none of the studies provides conclusive evidence that gender reassignment is beneficial for patients.

Read and Pray

Levi 18:22; Levi 20:13; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 29:11; Psalm 119:165; Psalm 127:3; Mark 7:21; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Peter 5:7.
Pray for our nation and the leaders
Pray for our children and the future
Pray for those who have realised their mistakes and are trying to make things right.
Pray for every individual and group speaking up against legalisation of same sex relationships and gender reassignments.

We appreciate your support – without it we can’t do our research and help inform your prayers.
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