MLAs to vote on Alliance bill which could see PSNI 'intervene in family discussions on sexuality and gender identity'

Members will vote on whether they will formally adopt Eóin Tennyson’s Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill and begin the arduous process of trying to convert it into enforceable legislation.

In 2021 Stormont passed a non-binding UUP motion to ban conversion therapy by 59 votes to 24.

It also passed a further indicative motion – this time from the SDLP – in 2024, by a narrower margin of 41 to 25.

The Christian Institute has warned that the Alliance Bill threatens sanctions of up to two years in prison, where a person says they have felt “fear, alarm or distress” because of any attempt to “suppress” their sexuality or gender expression.

However, Aidan O’Neill KC advised the institute that the Bill’s failure to define these terms means ordinary parental boundaries could be classified as criminal "coercion".

The lawyer warned that a parent who restricts how a teenager dresses, monitors who they associate with, or advises against medical transition could face prosecution, even if they act out of love and with no intention to cause harm.

James Kennedy, NI Policy Officer for The Christian Institute, said: “Many people are rightly appalled at the idea of abuse taking place today in Northern Ireland. But our existing law offers strong safeguards against coercion in the home and verbal or physical abuse anywhere else too."

He added: “Children and young people can often feel distressed by parental restrictions about what they can and cannot do. This is an ordinary part of family life. Yet it falls squarely within the offences described in this Bill."

However, Mr Tennyson branded the criticism of his Bill as "scaremongering".

He added: “The Bill is about preventing coercive and abusive practices that cause real harm. It draws on established approaches used in domestic abuse, stalking and harassment legislation, as well as conversion practices bans in other countries that already successfully distinguish between conversation and coercion.

"Robust safeguards are built into the legislation to protect freedom of speech, freedom of religion and legitimate parental guidance."