Growing push for federal ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ2+ youth

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – An online petition is gaining strength in its call to ban the practice of conversion therapy on LGBTQ2+ minors.

The petition is posted on the House of Commons website and received thousands of signatures in its first couple of weeks.

“What we’re campaigning about is protecting minors,” said Devon Hargreaves, an advocate from Alberta who started the petition calling for the ban on the practice that attempts to change the sexual orientation of a young person.

He said it’s emotionally, psychologically and, in extreme cases, physically damaging.

“It does cause damage, during a time when young individuals are developing and coming to terms with their identity and who they are.”

Hargreaves points out he isn’t looking for a complete ban.

“If you’re over 18 and you want to subject yourself to conversion therapy — as long as you aren’t doing any harm to anyone else, that’s fine.”

Hargreaves says the practice is often done in private, but happens more than people think.

Provinces like Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia have already moved to ban it, but Hargreaves says this is an issue that needs federal action. He has been in talks with the prime minister’s adviser on LGBTQ issues, but has not received any commitments yet.

The petition will be on the House of Commons website until Jan. 18, 2019.

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