Thread by @KristopherWells

Fort McMurray City Council is now discussing second reading of their conversion therapy bylaw. @RMWoodBuffalo

Watch LIVE now: rmwb.ca/Municipal-Gove…

@RMWoodBuffalo Now speaking is Pastor Brian Caldwell makes a surprise appearance in Fort McMurray. He's not a resident.

He's now speaking of a global multi-million dollar LGBTQ conspiracy behind conversion therapy bylaws.

Remember, Pastor Caldwell is the same person who actively opposed GSAs and LGBTQ-inclusive policy.

He's now claiming it is possible to change a person's sexual orientation and gender identity via the Bible.

Councillor Murphy as a Catholic says she finds Pastor Caldwell's comments very offensive. She resents the insinuation that being gay is not healthy.

She asks if you want Council to exclude Churches from the Bylaw?

Caldwell argues anyone should be free to engage in conversion therapy.

Caldwell continues to perpetuate falsehoods and states the medical profession is confused and divided on this issue.

Despite the fact that all major medical and psychological associations are united against conversion therapy and are clearly united in its harms & dangers.

The fact that Pastor Caldwell wants exemptions in the bylaw, should clearly tell you that none are needed.

He's looking for loopholes to try and continue providing conversion therapy.

Councillor McGrath asks why would you want to put so much energy in trying to convert people from being LGBTQ?

Caldwell says his conviction comes from the Bible.

McGrath - says "some would say" this is brainwashing. You have no right to judge how people want to live.

McGrath says I believe love is love.

He says, maybe it is time for Pastor Caldwell to reflect and understand that the World has changed and so should your interpretation of the Bible.

Caldwell says Biblical authority doesn't change. God doesn't embrace "liberal trends".

"Society changes, but God doesn't."

Caldwell: "In the end God will have the final say in his holy standard of righteousness."

Mayor Scott: "I believe God loves all people and wants to protect them."

Jose Ramos, who also spoke against Edmonton's Conversion Therapy Bylaw, now appears in Fort McMurray. He lives in Calgary.

Ramos, believe it or not, is now arguing for the right of mature minors to consent to conversion therapy.

Pastor Dennis Glenon, from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Fort McMurray, says he doesn't follow bylaws, but follows God.

He believes in the family. Presumably that doesn't include LGBTQ people.

Councillor calls point of order. The Pastor is not speaking to the bylaw. He's giving a sermon.

Pastor Glenon says I preach the word of God, not the word of bylaws.

"Do these bylaws want to stop or control me from doing what God ordained me to do?"

Councillor Meagher Please do not compare eugenics to conversion therapy. You have no idea what you are talking about.

Conversion therapy is child abuse. It is not a parental right.

Councillor Allen asks why this bylaw is only including minors and not all persons.

Vancouver, Edmonton and St. Albert Bylaws apply to everyone.

Council is on a much needed break. Time to regroup and focus on the changes needed to ensure this bylaw is actually comprehensive and effective.

Ignore the misleading comments and the red herring arguments. Focus on facts, research, and evidence.

And we're back! Now with amendments being proposed to more closely align the bylaw with Edmonton and St. Albert.

Councillor Allen brings forward motion to amend bylaw from only minors to any person. Seconded by Councillor Balsom.

Thanks to you both for your leadership in protecting everyone from this dangerous practice.

Amendments carry 8-2.

Fort McMurray - Final Vote on amended bylaw. Mayor reminds council that Conversion Therapy is quackery!

Bylaw passes 8-2.

Wood Buffalo now joins St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and Edmonton as municipalities with conversion therapy bylaws in Alberta. Well done! #abpoli #LGBTQ2

Next up in Alberta are Spruce Grove and Rocky Mountain House. Hopefully, more to follow!