A topic that has caused a lot of controversy as of late is that of conversion therapy. Many people have been severely harmed by the practice, while others firmly believe that it is effective. So what exactly is conversion therapy, and are members of the LGBTQ+ community protected from it in Canada? The Trevor Project defines conversion therapy as “any of several dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.” These practices can include exposing the subject to physically painful stimuli and emotionally traumatic methods such as shaming. The intent is to cause the person to associate these unpleasant sensations with their LGBTQ+ identity, and therefore “curing” them. There is also another branch of therapy known as “reparative therapy,” which is intended to reduce “homosexual feelings” by dealing with past traumas.
Although reparative treatment isn’t as openly dangerous as conversion therapy, it is still pretty ineffective. Some people also consider it to be conversion therapy. As of February 2020, as many as 1 in 5 Canadian LGBTQ+ men reported having experienced attempts to change their sexual or gender orientation. Although conversion therapy is prevalent in Canada, it has no scientific backing whatsoever. A report in 2007 by the American Psychological Association states that “results of scientifically valid research indicate that it is unlikely that individuals will be able to reduce same-sex attractions or increase other-sex sexual attractions through [sexual orientation change efforts].” In short, conversion therapy does not work. Not only does it have an overwhelming failure rate, but it can cause serious harm. In a study by the San Francisco State University, LGBTQ+ youth facing rejection was more than 8x more likely to have attempted suicide. They were also 6x more likely to report experiencing depression. Despite this, in Canada, there is currently not any federal legislation banning conversion therapy.
However, the provinces of Ontario, Nova Scotia, and PEI, have prohibited the conversion therapy of minors. There have also been cities that have placed a municipal ban on conversion therapy. One of the most recent bans came into effect in Calgary, Alberta, on May 25th, 2020. Additionally, there have been moves in the federal government to make a countrywide ban on the practice. On March 9th, 2020, the Honourable David Lametti and Bardish Chagger proposed amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada to ban the following: causing a minor to undergo conversion therapy whether in Canada or abroad, profiting from conversion therapy, and advertising an offer to provide conversion therapy. However, this bill has been met with opposition. Some people believe that the conversion therapy ban will impede “reparative therapy,” which they think is not harmful. Others believe that a conversion therapy ban will prevent religious counselling for LGBTQ+ people and limit their religious freedom of speech.
Additionally, members of the LGBTQ+ community also believe that the legislation will not be effective in ending conversion therapy in Canada. They still allow the conversion or reparative therapy of individuals over the age of 18 years. Nevertheless, this legislation is still a huge step forward to protect queer youth. If you or someone you know is struggling as a result of conversion therapy or with their LGBTQ+ identity, please feel free to contact the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. See our article on mental health tips and facts for other LGBTQ+ affirming resources.
Sources:
Department of Justice Canada “Federal Government introduces legislation to criminalize conversion therapy-related conduct in Canada” https://www.canada.ca/en/department-justice/news/2020/03/federal-government-introduces-legislation-to-criminalize-conversion-therapy-related-conduct-in-canada.html
Community-Based Research Center “Sex Now Survey results reveal prevalence of change efforts” https://www.cbrc.net/sex_now_survey_results_reveal_prevalence_of_change_efforts
The Trevor Project “About Conversion Therapy” https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-involved/trevor-advocacy/50-bills-50-states/about-conversion-therapy/
https://globalnews.ca/news/6984959/calgary-conversion-therapy-banned/
Human Rights Campaign “The Lies and Dangers of Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity” https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy
Dr. Joseph Nicolosi “Reparative Therapy” [This source is not LGBTQ affirming and may be triggering for some readers] https://www.josephnicolosi.com/
CTV News, Rachel Aiello “Federal Liberals introduce bill aimed at cracking down on conversion therapy” https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-liberals-introduce-bill-aimed-at-cracking-down-on-conversion-therapy-1.4844453
Written by Danica