Faith
Australian Law Bans Prayer for Sexual Struggles
Faith Facts
- The New South Wales government has enacted a law banning prayer for individuals seeking help with their sexuality or gender identity.
- Requests for prayer related to same-sex attraction or gender confusion now risk government sanction under this law.
- Family First Australia has pledged to restore the right to pray for anyone who asks, defending religious freedom.
In New South Wales, Australia, the government has made it illegal to pray with someone for issues related to sexuality, even if that person requests support in accordance with their faith.
This legislation, known as the Conversion Practices Ban Act, directly impacts parents, pastors, and friends who seek to support loved ones through prayer.
“If a mum, dad, pastor, or friend prays with someone who asks for help to follow God’s word, they could face sanction,” Lyle Shelton, national director of Family First Australia, warned.
The law has sparked concern among believers who see prayer as a foundational expression of religious liberty and a personal right.
“Prayer is at the heart of religious freedom,” Shelton affirmed. “If someone asks for prayer to live in line with their faith, it is an extraordinary overreach for the government to make that illegal.”
Attorney General Michael Daley confirmed the government’s position, stating, “Praying with or over a particular person in an attempt to try to change or suppress that person’s sexuality or gender is unlawful… If it’s an unlawful prayer, then it’s not a lawful prayer.”
Faith leaders and political advocates call this government move a troubling intrusion into the spiritual practices of citizens and have urged the faithful not to lose heart.
“The early church prayed for boldness in the face of threats (Acts 4:29),” Shelton encouraged. “That remains our call today.”
People of faith must continue to stand for the freedom to pray and uphold Christian values in the face of government overreach. Stay informed and pray for religious liberty to remain protected.