JK Rowling warns draft Conversion Practices Bill threatens gay rights
Author J. K. Rowling shared a post on social media saying the draft Conversion Practices Bill could be the biggest threat to gay rights since Section 28, echoing columnist Kevin McKenna's criticism. The repost followed a coalition of MPs, peers, experts and advocacy groups urging the government to withdraw the draft, warning it might criminalise ordinary parental conversations about gender.
Church of England and Catholic leaders also warned the bill could unintentionally criminalise pastoral care and prayer. Labour parliamentarians voiced similar concerns, and former director of public prosecutions Lord Macdonald said the legislation was unclear and could breach the rule of law. Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson criticised the Conservative stance, accusing ministers of lacking tolerance for LGBT+ people.
