Calgary homeowners unhappy after receiving flyers advocating against conversion therapy ban

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Flyers have been appearing around Calgary making claims that the proposed Conversion Therapy Ban Bylaw violates freedom of speech and private conversations.

Ogden resident Chelsea Drinkall was at home when she saw someone approaching houses on her street and leaving flyers on front doors.

She became furious once she realized what was printed on the paper.

“There is no way something like this should still be allowed in the city. We are a pretty progressive city and it’s insane to me that it hasn’t been prohibited yet,” Drinkall said.

“It really angered me and made me get more involved, probably not the reaction they were looking for when they were handing the flyer out.”

Still not sure conversion therapy is happening in #YYC?

This #propaganda was left at a friend’s house in Willow Park this weekend. It’s filled with lies.

May 25th, #YYCCC votes on the bylaw to end conversion therapy. Email your support for the bylaw as written.@NoConversionCA pic.twitter.com/SoatLqwGiw

— Shone Thistle (@HOPE_in_ACTION) May 19, 2020

The door hangers were created by the Christian Heritage Party of Canada (CHP) who say people are unaware of what is being proposed calling it “bad government.”

“When someone wants to leave that lifestyle, counselling and prayer to assist them is going to be banned under this bylaw and would make it illegal for pastors and priests to help those who come to them voluntarily seeking help,” Rod Taylor national leader of CHP said.

“We think this (bylaw) is completely unnecessary and is a smoke signal from the LGBTQ agenda.”

Board president for Calgary Pride, Shone Thistle called the message on the flyer a lie and believes the bylaw the city proposed is transparent.

“People will be able to seek counsel and support that is non-judgmental from anyone they choose and that could include a church or a licensed psychologist, it’s entirely up to them,” Thistle said.

“There is no such thing as de-transitioning. There could be another transition in their life but that is entirely up to them. This bylaw provides the opportunity for self-determination, it prevents people from playing games with other people’s lives.”

The Community and Protective Services committee voted unanimously to ban conversion therapy on May 14 with the bylaw being tabled at the next city council meeting

Calgarians still have an opportunity to provide their input before the final vote, when city council votes for it May 25.