Calif. Bill Would Limit What Pastors Can Say about Homosexuality

A California bill that that targets so-called “conversation therapy” for gays could have major consequences for religious liberty and even impact what pastors can say at conferences and in certain sermons, legal experts are warning.

AB 2943, which passed the Assembly in April and is expected to pass the state Senate before the end of summer, would ban the advertising or sale of “sexual orientation change efforts” by counselors, even if an adult wants to pay for it. But it could have more far-reaching consequences that its supporters aren’t acknowledging, says Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious liberty organization. 

The text of the bill says “sexual orientation change efforts” is defined as “any practices that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation.”

“This includes efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex,” the bill reads.

An ADF memo said the bill would mean that:

— “A pastor paid to speak at an event addressing current social topics could not encourage attendees that they can prevail over same-sex desires or feelings that they were born the wrong sex.”

— “A licensed counselor could not help a married mother of three who is experiencing unwanted attraction to a close female friend or confusion over her…