Scotland: Catholic response to SNP Conference Motion on conversion practices

Source: SCMO

Anthony Horan, Director, Catholic Parliamentary Office of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland writes:

The Catholic Parliamentary Office shares the determination to protect every person from violence, coercion, and abuse and strongly believes that such conduct should be addressed effectively under the law, and those who have suffered harm should receive compassionate and appropriate support.

At the same time, the motion tabled at SNP Party Conference proposes a prohibition of exceptional breadth, extending across family life, religious settings, healthcare and situations in which an adult has sought assistance voluntarily. Without precise definitions and robust safeguards, such an approach risks treating ordinary conversations, conscientious guidance and supportive care as suspect simply because they engage questions of identity, relationships, faith or personal conduct.

Parents and carers have responsibilities for the welfare of their children, including listening, offering reassurance, setting appropriate boundaries and helping them to reflect carefully on significant decisions. A broadly framed ban could create uncertainty about whether a parent may ask questions, encourage patience, seek professional advice or discuss the family's moral and religious convictions without fear that such conversations might later be characterised as unlawful.

This uncertainty could weaken trust within the home. Children and young people benefit when they can speak openly with those who know and love them best, without family members feeling compelled either to affirm immediately every stated view or to withdraw from sensitive discussion altogether.

Pastoral ministry is founded on respect for the dignity and freedom of every person. Clergy, chaplains and lay pastoral workers are called to listen without condemnation and to accompany people with sensitivity and discretion. Individuals may seek prayer, spiritual counsel or moral guidance for many reasons. They should remain free to ask for such support, and clergy should remain free to respond honestly and compassionately within the teaching of their faith, provided no abuse, intimidation or coercion is involved.

It is important, for the sake of clarity and legal certainty, that supporters of conversion practices legislation demonstrate which conduct that isn't already illegal they intend to criminalise by the proposed new law. Moreover, it is vital that any new law contains clear protections for freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression, private and family life, and the voluntary giving and receiving of pastoral care.