A very difficult issue for me as to what the Bible teaches is our response in the area of sexual orientation/change, and abortion, but I believe that public prayer is a freedom of speech issue whether aloud or silent.
I would largely agree, though with the caveat that freedom of speech is never total and that these restrictions are often brought in to prevent the intimidation of women at a very vulnerable and emotional time in their lives.
Hi Mike - I think the Victorian situation is slightly more nuanced than that. I’ve seen legal advice that suggested that because the act is about change and conversion practices for *fundamental orientation* this has nothing to do with praying (or giving and getting advice) for any particular unwanted behaviour. So praying for someone to be enabled to be celibate and happily celibate is apparently absolutely fine. And probably so is providing someone with psychological tools and support to do that. Because behaviours are not covered by the act, only orientation. Much of what you say does still apply but not all.
Hi Jenny, Ro Allen, head of VEOHRC did an interview with Eternity magazine where she said very clearly that mentioning celibacy in the context of sexual orientation would count as "suppression." I also went to a VEOHRC seminar where we were told that if a psychiatrist/psychologist treats an adolescent with gender dysophoria in such a way as to cause them to desist in their symptoms, then they would be guilty too of violating the law. It comes down to how VEOHRC chooses to interpret and apply. There are minimalist and maximalist ways of applying this law law which is what will happen in the end. I don't think prayer should be mentioned in any legislation esp. if it involves becoming an offense.
Thanks - I’ve also heard similar stories. The question is who will actually decide. If the courts then VEOHRC’s opinion is only an opinion and/or wish about it
I strongly agree, but I've been wondering about one caveat for silent prayer standing outside an abortion clinic - or anywhere else. Isn't this rather 'passive-aggressive' prayer? It is as much a visible protest as if you were waving a banner and isn't prayer at home just as effective?
It feels like the Vic gov has been run by ideological activists this past decade. And we're paying the social price.
Thanks for commenting on the issue.
A very difficult issue for me as to what the Bible teaches is our response in the area of sexual orientation/change, and abortion, but I believe that public prayer is a freedom of speech issue whether aloud or silent.
I would largely agree, though with the caveat that freedom of speech is never total and that these restrictions are often brought in to prevent the intimidation of women at a very vulnerable and emotional time in their lives.
Hi Mike - I think the Victorian situation is slightly more nuanced than that. I’ve seen legal advice that suggested that because the act is about change and conversion practices for *fundamental orientation* this has nothing to do with praying (or giving and getting advice) for any particular unwanted behaviour. So praying for someone to be enabled to be celibate and happily celibate is apparently absolutely fine. And probably so is providing someone with psychological tools and support to do that. Because behaviours are not covered by the act, only orientation. Much of what you say does still apply but not all.
Hi Jenny, Ro Allen, head of VEOHRC did an interview with Eternity magazine where she said very clearly that mentioning celibacy in the context of sexual orientation would count as "suppression." I also went to a VEOHRC seminar where we were told that if a psychiatrist/psychologist treats an adolescent with gender dysophoria in such a way as to cause them to desist in their symptoms, then they would be guilty too of violating the law. It comes down to how VEOHRC chooses to interpret and apply. There are minimalist and maximalist ways of applying this law law which is what will happen in the end. I don't think prayer should be mentioned in any legislation esp. if it involves becoming an offense.
Thanks - I’ve also heard similar stories. The question is who will actually decide. If the courts then VEOHRC’s opinion is only an opinion and/or wish about it
And these are the same people that sneer at the church because of the Inquisition?
I strongly agree, but I've been wondering about one caveat for silent prayer standing outside an abortion clinic - or anywhere else. Isn't this rather 'passive-aggressive' prayer? It is as much a visible protest as if you were waving a banner and isn't prayer at home just as effective?