We asked you about conversion practices – this is what you told us Easy Read Version
An easy read version of the responses to the Scottish Government's consultation on ending conversion practices.
How new laws could affect faith organisations and parents
The consultation paper says that any new laws or policies will respect freedom of religion and expression.
Some respondents felt this was not possible if guidance must not be directive.
Directive means telling someone how to do something or how to live their life a certain way.
Some respondents think:
- the new proposals do not understand that religious teaching is directive because it encourages people to live and behave in a certain way
- the proposed laws could criminalise religious leaders whose role is to guide other people to follow their beliefs
Some respondents were also worried that parents are directive when:
- talking with their children about important things
- trying to protect their children from
- things they believe are harmful
- a decision that the child may later regret
Other respondents were supportive of the proposals.
They thought that the proposals do a good job of protecting people while respecting parental and religious beliefs.
The Scottish Government says that the proposed law respects that a parent is right to tell their child what to do sometimes.
The proposed law will only make it a crime to control your child if you harm your child by trying to change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Scottish Government understands that people have worries about how the law will work.
They will think more about this and change things where needed.