So-called conversion therapy has been labeled ‘fraudulent’ in other parts of the world
Thousands of people signed a petition calling on the government to ban so-called conversion therapy in Canada for LGBTI youth.
The petition, signed by 4692 people so far, asks the government to outlaw the practice, citing the harm it can cause to young people.
The petition now has enough signatures to be presented by the government. Meanwhile, a similar petition on Change.org has reached nearly 53,000 signatures.
The practice is widely condemned, from activists to medical professionals. It is the attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity through behavior modification, medication, and counselling.
Widely condemned
It stems from the belief that LGBTI people are mentally ill. In fact, homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) in 1987.
Sponsored by Sheri Benson, MP for Saskatoon West, the petition states: ‘The practice of “conversion therapy” or “reparative therapy” is seriously harmful to individuals and is opposed by the Canadian Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and others.’
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, has long been an advocate for LGBTI rights.
Last November, the politician apologized formally for the ‘unjust treatment’ of LGBTI Canadians.
Other countries are moving against conversion therapy
By taking action against the practice, Australia would be following in the footsteps of countries like Australia and the state of California.
In September, Australia’s senate passed a motion to tackle the rise of LGBTI conversion therapy. The motion widely condemned the practice and called on states to ban it.
California took it a step further. The State Senate labeled conversion therapy a ‘fraudulent practice’.
This made it possible to bring legal proceedings against people who engage in conversion therapy for profit. It essentially banned the practice.
The bill passed in the senate 25-11.
by Tom Capon
Source – Gay Star News
