The chief law enforcement officer of one state in Australia is warning that under a new law, some prayers all of a sudden are illegal.
That word comes from Michael Daley, the attorney general for New South Wales.
The details were released by the Australian Christian Lobby, which warned, “Have you ever been asked to pray for someone who is questioning their sexual desires or biological sex, but is seeking to be obedient to God’s word?
“According to the Attorney General, Michael Daley, the NSW Conversion Practices Ban Act makes some prayers with, or over, someone about these matters illegal regardless of consent.
“We thank the Hon. Susan Carter for advocating for clarity on the legislation. Thank you for asking the questions no one else will. We will continue to advocate for clear answers on this legislation and work to ensure that everyone has the right to pray without limitations.
“As we live with this new legislation, let us reflect on the prayer for boldness in Acts 4:23-31, specifically verse 29 – ‘Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.’ Pray our churches and Christian leaders remain bold and uncompromising in their commitment to God’s Word in their ministry.”
Have you ever been asked to pray for someone who is questioning their sexual desires or biological sex, but is seeking to be obedient to God’s word? According to the Attorney General, Michael Daley, the NSW Conversion Practices Ban Act makes some prayers with, or over, someone… pic.twitter.com/fCnubA7Ata
— Australian Christian Lobby (@ACLobby) September 3, 2025
According to the Christian Institute, Daley was responding to a question from politician Susan Carter, who raised concerns over the Conversion Practices Ban Act.
“Daley implied that this could even include silent prayer, when Carter raised it as an example,” the report explained.
The organization Anti-Discrimination NSW said “conversion practices” could resemble “prayer or pastoral conversation that is intended to change or suppress someone’s gender or sexuality.”
Carter raised the question about whether the government was prohibiting prayer.
Daley confirmed, “If it’s an unlawful prayer, then it’s not a lawful prayer.”
Lyle Shelton, of the Family First Australia organization, turned blunt: “Prayer has always been about change – change in circumstances, change in hearts, change in lives. To criminalize a prayer that someone requests is a staggering overreach of state power into the private and spiritual lives of citizens.”
He continued, “It is chilling to think that a mum or dad, pastor, or friend could face sanction for praying with someone who explicitly asked for prayer to help them follow God’s word.”
Simon Calvert, of the Christian Institute and spokesman for the Institute’s Let Us Pray campaign, which opposes new legislation, said in March: “A ban is not necessary, because everyone is already legally protected from abuse, and not possible, because banning harmless speech about sex and sexuality is tyrannical.”