What was once considered the compassionate, biblically faithful ministry of pastors and Christian counselors—offering hope, prayer, and moral guidance to the confused and hurting—is increasingly being labeled “conversion therapy” and even “hate speech.” Nowhere is this more evident than in discussions surrounding gender dysphoria. From state laws in the United States to sweeping federal criminal codes in Canada and Europe, Christian leaders are facing escalating legal risks simply for counseling individuals toward their God-given identity as male or female.
This essay explores these dangers in depth by examining the divide between Christian and secular worldviews on gender identity, reviewing relevant laws in the U.S., Canada, and globally, and issuing a sobering caution to pastors and counselors: if Neo-Marxist ideology gains full control of the American government, the criminalization of biblical counseling is not merely possible—it is probable.
Christian vs. Non-Christian Perspectives on Gender Identity
A Biblical Understanding of Gender
Christians who uphold the authority of Scripture believe that gender is not assigned by human decision but is a God-given identity rooted in creation itself. Genesis 1:27 affirms: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (ESV). Jesus reaffirmed this in Matthew 19:4.
This view holds that struggles with gender identity are ultimately spiritual and psychological afflictions, to be met with compassion, counseling, and the hope of sanctification—not hormones or surgery. Sanctification, not surgical mutilation, is the Christian path forward.
The Secular “Gender-Affirming” Paradigm
In contrast, the secular and medical establishments increasingly promote an “affirmative” model, whereby a counselor must validate a person’s self-declared gender identity. This approach includes social transitioning, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries—even for minors.
This worldview denies any fixed human nature or God-ordained order. Instead, it promotes radical autonomy and the plasticity of the self—foundational tenets of postmodern thought and Neo-Marxist gender ideology.
The Legal Landscape in the United States
The United States presents a fragmented legal map when it comes to counseling against gender transitioning. While the First Amendment theoretically protects religious speech and pastoral counseling, that protection is under increasing pressure, especially for licensed professionals.
States That Criminalize or Restrict Biblical Counseling
As of 2025:
- 27 states plus DC and Puerto Rico have laws banning “conversion therapy” for minors.
- These laws often conflate therapy aimed at reorienting sexual behavior with counseling that affirms God’s design for gender.
- While some laws exclude religious clergy, others are ambiguous, leaving Christian professionals vulnerable.
Notable State Examples
- California: SB 1172 bans “sexual orientation change efforts” for minors and has been interpreted broadly to include gender identity. The California Assembly has introduced legislation in the past (AB 2943) that could have outlawed the sale of books or materials—including religious texts—seen as promoting “conversion.”
- Washington State: Professional counselors who violate the law may face fines up to $5,000 and loss of licensure.
- Colorado: A case involving Christian counselor licensed in the state is now before the U.S. Supreme Court (2025), arguing that the ban violates freedom of religion and speech.
Judicial and Cultural Uncertainty
While the First Amendment has provided protection thus far, activist courts and shifting cultural norms threaten to erode these defenses. Christian counselors—especially those licensed by the state—may face growing scrutiny or outright prosecution in progressive jurisdictions.
Canada: Criminalizing Biblical Counseling Under Bill C-4
Canada is leading the charge in criminalizing biblical counseling related to gender identity and sexuality.
Bill C-4: Broad and Dangerous
Enacted in January 2022, Bill C-4 criminalizes all efforts to “change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” regardless of age, setting, or consent. Violators can face:
- Up to 5 years in prison for providing “conversion therapy.”
- Up to 2 years for merely promoting or advertising such services—even if unpaid and religious in nature.
The law’s definitions are so broad that even praying with someone or reading the Bible in a counseling session could theoretically qualify as criminal conduct.
No Exceptions for Religious Counselors
Unlike many U.S. states, Bill C-4 provides no explicit religious exemption. This has alarmed Christian pastors and ministries throughout Canada, leading to open letters of protest and coordinated sermons nationwide when the law took effect.
Chilling Effect and Suppression
Even though no high-profile criminal cases against pastors have yet emerged, many Canadian pastors and counselors now fear prosecution and have scaled back or eliminated counseling services. The threat of criminal charges has succeeded in silencing voices that would have lovingly and biblically guided those struggling with gender confusion.
Europe and the Global Scene: A Rising Tide of Repression
Europe’s Legal Trends
Many European nations have followed Canada’s lead, criminalizing or sharply restricting any counseling aimed at helping individuals embrace their biological sex:
- Norway: In 2021, lawmakers proposed a bill to criminalize “conversion therapy,” including spiritual guidance, with penalties of up to 3 years in prison (or 6 if minors are involved).
- Germany: Passed a law in 2020 banning “conversion therapy” for minors with fines up to €30,000 and prison sentences for repeat offenses.
- United Kingdom: The government is actively debating a broad ban that could include pastoral conversations and prayer. In 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration pushed a bill that faced criticism for not protecting free speech and religious liberty.
Other Countries
- New Zealand: Banned conversion therapy in 2022, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- Australia: The state of Victoria criminalizes counseling against gender transitions with penalties including up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Brazil and Malta: Enforce strict bans that criminalize efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity.
A Pattern of Neo-Marxist Suppression
Across the globe, we observe a chilling pattern: a concerted effort by progressive and Neo-Marxist forces to redefine biblical truth as “hate,” marginalize dissenters, and criminalize Christian pastoral care under the guise of protecting “mental health” and “identity rights.”
What’s at Stake: The Threat to American Freedom
Though America still enjoys stronger constitutional protections than most Western countries, the trajectory is unmistakable. Leftist and Neo-Marxist activists, often embedded in academia, government, and even the judiciary, are laying the groundwork to criminalize any opposition to their worldview.
A Warning to the Church
If progressives gain full control of the U.S. federal government:
- National legislation like Canada’s Bill C-4 could be passed.
- Religious exemptions could be eroded or eliminated.
- Pastors could face jail time simply for reading Romans 1 or 1 Corinthians 6 in a counseling setting.
- Christian schools, ministries, and publishers could be stripped of nonprofit status or face civil litigation.
- The Bible itself could be labeled as a “conversion tool” or hate document.
JD Vance’s Warning
U.S. Senator JD Vance (R-OH) recently warned, “The UK has become a cautionary tale. When a government criminalizes counseling someone not to mutilate their own body, it is no longer neutral—it is actively suppressing Christianity.” His words echo the growing concern among American conservatives that globalist and woke ideologies are gaining legal teeth.
Remaining Faithful Under Pressure
The counsel of Proverbs 29:25 is timely: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe” (ESV).
Pastors and Christian counselors are facing a global storm: a world increasingly hostile to the biblical worldview and increasingly empowered by law to enforce conformity to godless ideologies. But the answer is not retreat. It is courageous faithfulness.
- Teach biblical anthropology unapologetically.
- Know the laws of your state and country.
- Provide counsel rooted in Scripture and couched in compassion.
- Document and protect your ministry’s religious liberty.
- Join with like-minded pastors, organizations, and attorneys to defend your right to counsel biblically.
The battle is not merely legal—it is spiritual. And Christ, the Lord of the Church, has already won the war. But until He returns, let us contend for the truth boldly, lovingly, and wisely—even if it costs us.
S.D.G.,
Robert Sparkman
rob@basedchristianity.org
RELATED CONTENT
Concerning the Related Content section, I encourage everyone to evaluate the content carefully.
I will continue to add videos and other items to the Related Content section as opportunities present themselves.If I have listed the content, I think it is worthwhile viewing to educate yourself on the topic, but it may contain some opinions I don’t agree with.
Feel free to offer your comments below. Respectful comments without expletives and personal attacks will be posted and I will respond to them.
Comments are closed after sixty days due to spamming issues from internet bots.
You can always send me an email at rob@basedchristianity.org if you want to comment on something afterwards, though.
If you have evidence that I am wrong about a material statement of fact, provide the evidence and I will gladly review it and make revisions if merited.
Obviously, there are some assertions that are matters of opinion that I will not change, but I always strive to be truthful. We are all capable of mistakes and misunderstandings on occasion, though.
Regarding depictions of Jesus, images accompanying the article may contain depictions of Jesus. I realize that some fellow Christians, particularly some conservative Presbyterians, consider these images to be a form of idolatry. I do not agree with their opinion on this matter. These images are for illustrative purposes and do not represent a form of worship.
I recommend these Youtube channels for good content on Christian matters: Founders Ministries, Ligonier Ministries, Grace to You, G3 Ministries, and Truth for Life. RC Sproul, Voddie Baucham, Alistair Begg, Kevin DeYoung, Albert Mohler, Tom Ascol and John MacArthur are well-known, trustworthy pastors and teachers with content across multiple forums.
Francis Schaeffer, Tom Ascol, Allie Beth Stuckey and Nancy Pearcey have some valuable materials related to cultural matters, as well.