Although it may come as a shock to many, conversion therapy is not completely illegal in the Province of British Columbia. While numerous petitions against the practice have been held, the “treatment” still endures.
So, what exactly is conversion therapy?
Wikipedia describes it as:
Conversion therapy is the pseudoscientific practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation using psychological or spiritual interventions. There is virtually no reliable evidence that sexuality can be controlled or changed and medical bodies warn that conversion therapy practices are ineffective and potentially seriously harmful. Nevertheless, advocates and proponents do provide anecdotal reports of so-called “ex-gays” who claim some degree of success in becoming heterosexual.
Ultimately, many Canadians, as well as people across the world, feel the practice has horrific effects. Nevertheless, numerous religious and fundamentalist groups vehemently believe in their right to uphold the practice. Sadly, the ramifications on LGBT youth are often catastrophic, if not fatal.
“Conversion therapy for LGBT youth is now illegal in Ontario. And public funds can no longer be used to fund the purported treatment for adults. Conversion therapy claims to help cure LGBT persons of their sexual or gender identity. Now, Ontario s the second province after Manitoba to ban the so-called treatment outright,” reports the National Post.
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Conversion Therapy in BC
Evidently, other provinces are taking major steps to limit the practice, and British Columbia has taken some steps to follow suit in their footsteps.
With this in mind, one of the largest impediments implementing full chance is the restriction of religious freedoms. For the most part, psychologists and mental health practitioners in BC do not use conversion therapy; however, numerous religious and spiritual practitioners offer services that often happen under the radar. As a result, it can be much harder to effect change in these embedded traditions.
The Vancouver Courier describes how a recent Vancouver motion unanimously passed on November, 23, 217 during a committee meeting. The motion recommended that city council ought to amend By-law 4450, to “prohibit the provision of ‘conversion therapy’ services by licensed businesses, thus protecting what it sets out as “vulnerable populations.” These include youth, in addition to sexual and gender minorities.
The issue with this bylaw, however, is that it still cannot interfere with religious proceedings.
Do you think that the government should create legislation against the use of conversion therapy within religious and spiritual groups? What steps do you think ought to be taken, and is the government doing enough?
Sound off in the comments or take our poll below!
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