Thread by @JyotiGondek

THREAD
1/Fear & Loathing, Hope & Belonging - Why is it important to support a ban on the practise of conversion therapy? Because it is a recognized harmful practice that serves to make a segment of our citizens feel like they are not “right”, like their identity is not “right”.

2/Conversion therapy practices are designed to make individuals feel that society & God do not love them for who they are. We must be better than that. On Monday, Council will debate the proposed bylaw banning conversion therapy in Calgary (reviewed by committee May 13 & 14).

3/At that committee meeting, we heard from 121 members of the public over about an 18 hour period. We also received over 1,800 written submissions. Some were in favour and some were opposed. Many had clearly not read the proposed bylaw, particularly Schedule A.

4/Schedule A states: For greater certainty, this definition does not include a practice, treatment, or service that relates to: a) a person’s social, medical, or legal gender transition, or b) a person’s non-judgmental exploration and acceptance of their identity or development.

5/When some groups stated that this bylaw would rob them of their ability to have meaningful conversations with people who were questioning their gender identity or sexual preference, we clarified that Schedule A allows for any non-judgmental conversations.

6/For example, people of faith will tell you that they are not interested in judging others, for that is the work of God. Schedule A allows for non-judgmental spiritual guidance.

7/Others worried that an individual who transitions and chooses to transition again is jeopardized by this bylaw. Absolutely not. Schedule A clearly states that social, medical and legal gender transition is not prohibited.

8/Ultimately, the bylaw before us preserves an individual’s right to seek non-judgmental counselling while also prohibiting practices that cause grave emotional and physical harm. This bylaw is strong. It shows that we will not tolerate practices that try to divide us.

9/In Calgary, we will not allow practices that try to divide us along lines of how one identifies or who one loves. A person’s identity is their own, and is not up for debate on someone else’s terms.

10/This bylaw shows that an inclusive city like Calgary is a place where you are welcomed and wanted, a place where you belong. Calgary is not a place that promotes rejection, shame and self-loathing.

11/And here is the link to the video of my rather raw remarks at committee:

facebook.com/19151950154288…

Be kind to each other. Accept each other.

#loveislove #banconversiontherapy #pride #calgarystrong