“This legislation is a significant step forward for LGBTQI2S rights in Canada. We applaud the Federal Government for acknowledging its role in the banning of conversion therapy and all associated activities. However, it would be unjust to title this legislation as the “Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy”.
Although it will help make the practice of Conversion Therapy less accessible it does not address several crucial loopholes such as power dynamics within religious, educational or medical institutions or make explicit the difference between professional and unprofessional services; there are no protections for vulnerable people who may not fit under coercion; and the bill does not explicitly address gender expression which is a key component in line with gender identity and sexual orientation.
We look forward to reviewing the proposed legislation in more depth as we seek to continue the conversation and look for improvements to the gaps that are both explicit and implicit as Bill C-8 moves forward”.