New Spanish Legislation Seeks to Criminalize Biblical Sexual Ethics and Pastoral Care
The Spanish House has now voted—by an overwhelming 311 to 33 margin—to criminalize the act of a pastor lovingly counseling someone away from sexual sin.
No, that’s not a typo. It’s not satire. It’s not a Babylon Bee headline.
It’s the Spanish Parliament declaring war on Christianity itself. If you thought persecution was the stuff of dusty history books or far-off dystopias, think again. Spain just stepped into the coliseum with a fistful of legislation and a target on the backs of anyone who dares call sin what it is.
The bill—officially titled Proposición de Ley Orgánica (Proposal for an Organic Law) 122/000201—would amend Spain’s Penal Code to insert a brand-new provision, Article 173.bis. Under this amendment, anyone who:
"applies or practices on a person acts, methods, programs, techniques, or procedures of aversion or conversion—whether psychological, physical, pharmacological, or of any other nature—aimed at modifying, repressing, eliminating, or denying their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, causing harm to physical or mental health, or serious impairment of moral integrity…"
can face up to two years in prison.
Think about that for a moment. It doesn’t say you have to force anyone. It doesn’t say you have to be “abusive.” It doesn’t even require the person to be a minor or “vulnerable,” though the penalties increase if they are.
All it takes is for a Christian, a pastor, a counselor…or even a parent…to engage in a sincere conversation, backed by Scripture, pointing someone to repentance in Christ—and if that conversation dares suggest that sexual sin is sin and holiness is better, welcome to prison, comrade.
And don’t think for a moment that they left room for common sense. The bill further states that if you’re part of an organization (read: a church) doing this work, or if you benefit in any way financially (hello, salaried pastors), or if you dare do this with someone who’s underage, then the penalties are steeper. The law will treat you like a predator for daring to shepherd souls.