Care
(Christian, Action, Research, Education).
God calls His people to be
light and salt in every area of society, including politics!
Ross Hendry Chief Executive
The first two months of 2024 have been incredibly busy, with moves at Westminster to decriminalise abortion and ban ‘conversion practices’.
We are so grateful to those of you who took the time to write to your MP about these issues.
The Government is currently consulting on guidance for English schools on dealing with “Gender Questioning Children”. A consultation will run until Tuesday 12 March. This issue is very important – especially to parents. As a mother of two teenage children, I’m deeply concerned about what is happening in schools. Heartbreaking accounts tell of children being encouraged down a pathway to experimental drugs and surgery in pursuit of the dangerous idea that they can ‘change sex’.
At CARE, we believe there is a better story for children and young people who are struggling with issues of identity. This involves helping those who experience gender dysphoria to embrace their God-given identity as male or female – with gentle, patient support from family members, friends, and professionals.
We are conscious that we have asked a lot of you recently, but if you wish to respond to this consultation, we have produced a step-by-step guide for you to follow. To access this and find out how to respond to the consultation, visit our Take Action Page.
If you require further information, you can contact us at: mail@care.org.uk.
Every blessing,
Louise Davies MBEDirector of Advocacy and Policy
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At CARE, we work hard to keep you informed about important developments in our politics and give you the tools you need to respond. Would you consider donating to our work?
CARE, Charity No: 1066963, Scottish Charity No: SC038911 and company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales at 53 Romney Street, London, SW1P 3RF, Company No: 3481417. www.care.org.ukChief Executive Ross Hendry | Co-Founder Rev Lyndon Bowring
Liam Fox MP has tabled an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill (CJB) which would end abortion to term for Down syndrome if it is selected by Mr Speaker and agreed by a majority of MPs.
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Fox told the Prime Minister that he had secured strong, cross-party support for the amendment. When asked to support the amendment, the Prime Minister failed to do so.
Under the current abortion law, it is legal to abort a baby with Down syndrome right the way until birth. In 2021, figures from the Department of Health and Social Care show there were 859 abortions due to Down syndrome, up a quarter on the previous year.
This provision in the current law has been subject to an ongoing legal challenge, led by Heidi Crowter, who said the current law makes her feel like a second class-citizen.
The CJB is shaping up to include at least three abortion related amendments:
- An amendment from Diana Johnson MP to decriminalise abortion
- An amendment from Caroline Ansell to reduce the time-limit from 24 weeks to 22
- An amendment from Dr Liam Fox to stop abortion to birth for Down syndrome
Amendments are selected by Mr Speaker and votes might take place, although this is dependent on a range of factors, including whether the MP who tables the amendment actually calls for a vote.
In 2022, Mr Fox's private members bill to improve access to care for people living with Down syndrome passed into law. The Down Syndrome Act recognised people with Down syndrome as a specific minority group and made it a statutory duty that their specific care needs were met.
A Bill to ban ‘conversion practices’ that “change a person’s sexual orientation” or “change a person to or from being transgender” is due to be debated at Westminster in the coming weeks. Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP’s Conversion Practices (Prohibition) Bill would create a new offence, punishable by an unlimited fine.
At CARE, we recognise that abusive, violent, or coercive ‘practices’, ‘treatments’ or ‘therapies’ aimed at changing a person’s identity are wrong, and a source of deep hurt to those who experience them. However, shocking practices described by advocates of a ‘conversion practices’ ban can already be dealt with under existing laws.
The terminology in the Bill is vague, creating a risk of chilling interference in the church, and private family life. As drafted, it does not rule out Christian ministers being punished for counselling people in line with the clear teaching of Scripture. Christian parents could also be penalised for advising a child against ‘changing sex’.
Our policy team has produced a draft email to help you raise concerns with your MP. To use this tool, visit our Take Action Page, type in your post code, and edit the text of the email. We find that personalised correspondence with politicians is most effective.
Please consider writing before the Bill’s Second Reading in the Commons on Friday 1 March. This is an opportunity to show grace and truth – modelling Christ’s compassion for those who have been wronged, whilst also defending Gospel freedoms.
Please also join us in praying that politicians would hear the concerns of Christian people and make wise decisions in the months ahead.
Every blessing,
Ross HendryCEO of CARE