SNP Backs Conversion Practices Ban, What It Means for Scottish Churches

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has backed a motion calling for a comprehensive ban on conversion practices, renewing debate about LGBTQ+ protections and the implications for churches, parents and pastoral ministry across Scotland.

The motion was supported at the party’s annual conference in Aberdeen in October 2026. It calls on the Scottish Government to introduce legislation within the first year of the current parliamentary term and argues that a ban should cover medical and religious settings, including practices intended to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Conversion practices can range from coercive attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity to pressure intended to suppress how a person identifies. Supporters of a comprehensive ban argue that legislation is needed to protect people from abuse and lasting harm.

However, the proposal has raised concerns among some Christian organisations about how broadly the law might define prohibited conduct. The Catholic Parliamentary Office in Scotland has warned that unclear wording could create uncertainty around ordinary family conversations, religious guidance and voluntary pastoral support. It has called for clear legal definitions and safeguards for freedom of religion, conscience and expression

For churches, the central question is how legislation would distinguish abusive or coercive practices from prayer, preaching and pastoral conversations requested voluntarily by an individual. Parents have also raised concerns about how they could discuss sensitive questions concerning their children’s wellbeing and identity without fear of legal consequences.

The Scottish Government has previously committed to pursuing a UK-wide approach while reserving the option of introducing Scottish legislation if an effective agreement cannot be reached. The SNP conference vote represents a party position, not the enactment of a new law.

As the debate continues, the wording of any future legislation will be crucial. Scottish churches, families and advocacy groups will be watching closely to see how lawmakers balance protection from harmful practices with the rights of individuals, parents and faith communities.