NDP statement on conversion therapy legislation passing the house

NDP Critic and Deputy Critic for 2SLGBTQI+ Rights, Randall Garrison and Blake Desjarlais, made the following joint statement:

“Today marks a great victory for the brave survivors of conversion therapy who came forward to tell their stories. The motion that was passed today was only possible because of those survivors, community members and allies who have worked tirelessly for years to push the government to act.

It has been a long road to get here. Since 2015, we have been pushing the Liberal government for a federal ban on conversion ‘therapy’. The Liberal’s decisions to prorogue Parliament and call an unnecessary election has killed two bills that could have put a ban in place and ensured more Canadians weren’t subjected to this terrible practice.

New Democrats are urging members of the Senate to get this legislation passed now so that the most vulnerable among us at risk, especially 2SLGBTQI+ youth will not have to endure this horrible practice. There isn’t a moment to lose to get the dangerous practice of conversion ‘therapy’ finally banned in Canada.

New Democrats will work diligently so we can avoid a repeat of the Liberal’s past failures to get this done.

No one should be made to feel like who they are is wrong – much less be subjected to abuse for being themselves. Thanks to the important step taken today, we are closer to finally putting an end to this practice for all Canadians.”