British Prime Minister Theresa May is pushing for an outright ban on gay conversion therapy. The government’s plan is to outlaw the horrific practice as part of an effort to counter intolerance and discrimination.
The $7.6 million initiative follows a survey of LGBTQ people that found two per cent of the 108,000 respondents had undergone conversion therapy while five per cent had been offered the service. May said she had been “struck by just how many respondents said they cannot be open about their sexual orientation or avoid holding hands with their partner in public for fear of a negative reaction.” She continued, “No one should have to hide who they are or who they love. This LGBTQ action plan will set out concrete steps to deliver real and lasting change across society, from health and education to tackling discrimination and addressing the burning injustices LGBTQ people face.”
Gay conversion therapies are based on the premise that being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is a mental illness that can be cured. Strong evidence suggests that it simply does not, and cannot work. The techniques are discredited. The Nova Scotia government recently passed a bill that bans the therapy, but only with restrictions. The federal government has yet to follow suit, and indeed has been silent on the subject. We do, however, expect some sort of reaction shortly. The only way to ensure positive change that will protect all of our LGBTQ+ citizens is to ban gay conversion therapy outright.
The Nova Scotia bill only protects those up to age 16, which leaves out those who cannot defend themselves because of emotional or intellectual challenges, or those who, because due to other circumstances, are not able to decide due to the level of maturity. In order to eliminate this we must ban the procedure outright. If not, the religious right will keep the practice going and with dire consequences. The law must step in to prevent such horrible consequences. These are troubling situations and it is essential, and indeed the obligation of all who are concerned, that complete protection is in place.
I remain deeply troubled that protection is only directed at those under the age of 16, and LGBTQ+ people with the above mentioned challenges are not being considered, regardless of age. A complete ban is the only solution to rid us of conversion therapy. It is imperative this hurtful procedure is eliminated for all time. Hopefully, the Liberal government under Premier Stephen McNeil will revisit the bill and make it complete.
This imperative move will send the therapy procedure into oblivion. The time is now to end the torture of minds that cause suicidal thoughts, as it goes against nature to who we are as human beings. We do not choose our sexual orientation, a reality that is constantly challenged by the religious right. This is how we live, exist in our natural lives. We fall in love, have families, and according to this phrase – “love is all it takes to be family” – we contribute to our world, and we must garner the courage to live our lives as they are meant to be lived. It was conveyed to me a few months ago by a government official that this is a health issue and therefore the responsibility of the provinces.
This in reply to letter I sent to the federal government regarding this issue. I argued that health issues are created by gay conversion therapy as a result of discriminatory actions. The reality is that those who provide the service are determined to rid the LGBTQ+ population and transition them to heterosexualism. This clearly indicates discrimination at its most harsh.
Outright banning the therapy must be dealt with immediately. Provincial and federal governments must act now. A great follow-up to the apology by Justin Trudeau.
Gerard Veldhoven is a longtime gay rights activist who lives in Pictou County. Comments and information: [email protected]