Thread by @KristopherWells

The Federal Government’s proposed “Conversion Therapy” legislation introduced today makes 5 key changes to the Criminal Code of Canada.

It will be illegal to:

1. Force or coerce a person to undergo conversion therapy

2. Cause a child (under the 18) to undergo conversion therapy

3. Remove a child from the country to undergo conversion therapy elsewhere (i.e., conversion camps and programs)

4. Advertise conversion therapy services

5. Benefit financially or materially by providing conversion therapy

Collectively, these are amongst the strongest prohibitions in the World.

We may see amendments introduced that make the legislation even stronger.

Importantly, this proposed legislation doesn’t preclude provincial and municipal governments creating their own legislation.

At the provincial level, legislation should target regulated health and medical professionals and billing codes.

At the municipal level, cities can restrict the use of funding, services and facilities by groups who promote or practice conversion therapy. They can also institute fines and penalties.

Now to debunk some of the arguments against this legislation.

1. This is an infringement on parental rights.

1a. No. The state always has a compelling interesting in protecting children from harm.

Conversion therapy is a discredited practice that is clearly not in the “best interest” of any child.

Conversion therapy under no circumstance can be justified under the principle of “the best interests” of the child.

2. Conversion therapy legislation restricts religious freedoms.

2a. Religious beliefs are protected in Canada. However, this does not include the right to do harm.

Conversion therapy is an unscientific, deceptive and dangerous practice that poses a significant public health risk.

You have the right to hold anti-LGBTQ2 beliefs, but there is no protected right to practice those beliefs when they are known to cause harm, which conversion therapy clearly does.

3. This legislation unnecessarily restricts the right to access therapy and treatments for unwanted attractions or identity.

3a. All individuals have the right to highest standards of physical and mental health. The principles of non-discrimination and “do no harm” are paramount.

All treatments, therapies, or services must operate from the premise of support and should help individuals deal with any internal conflicts they may be experience regarding their identity.

It is never appropriate to offer services or supports with the pre-determined goal designed to erase, fix, deny or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Supportive exploration, identity integration, and acceptance based in a human-rights approach are key.

4. An individual should be able to consent to any treatment they want.

4a. “Conversion therapy” is not therapy at all. It is a form of torture and abuse.

No individual has the “right” to demand or request a treatment that is known to be harmful from a professional. Virtually all professional/medical associations have denounced conversion therapy as an unscientific and dangerous practice that has no evidence or credibility.

Did you know that almost all Ex-gay leaders have repudiated conversion therapy and acknowledged that not one person has actually been “changed” by their programs. In fact, many have apologized for the harms these programs have inflicted upon LGBTQ2 people.

Unfortunately, many faith and religious based organizations are currently among the most active proponents of “conversion therapy,” with mantras like “freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ” and claims that no one is born LGBTQ2.

Many of these faith-based beliefs claim that an LGBTQ2 identity is the result of childhood abuse, failed parenting, brokenness or sin.

Many self-help programs focus on “healing” and “change” efforts to rid oneself of a “homosexual lifestyle.”

This so-called “homosexual lifestyle” is seen as an unhappy or disordered way of life characterized by promiscuity, use of pornography, substance abuse, lust, sin and selfishness.

Living an openly LGBTQ2 life is seen as incompatible with God’s divine plan.

Thankfully many affirming religions and faiths fully accept, welcome, embrace, and celebrate LGBTQ2 people as they are and who they love. ❤️

Ultimately, this Federal Gov’t “conversion therapy” is about keeping LGBTQ2 young people alive and safe from harm. No child should be taught to hate who they are or made to change themselves to gain love and acceptance. Not in Canada. Not in any place in the world. 🏳️‍🌈❤️