A bill that would ban the practice of conversion therapy in Canada has been unanimously adopted by the House of Commons, fast tracking it for approval by the Senate.
Bill C-4 bans the practice of conversion therapy, which is a harmful attempt to change an individual’s sexual or gender identity. Research has found that the practice is linked to severe negative mental health consequences.
A similar bill was first proposed in 2020 but was unsuccessful because conservative politicians deemed it too broad. The fast-tracked vote means that there was no requirement for each MP to record their vote due to a general consensus from MPs.
Liberal MPs thanked the Conservative caucus for coming together in support of LGBTQ issues. “I dream of the day when LGBTQ2 issues are no longer political footballs. And we are one day closer to that future,” said MP Randy Boissonnault.
