43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00930432-00930 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00916432-00916 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 6, 2021June 21, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00914432-00914 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBMay 5, 2021June 18, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00959432-00959 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBMay 12, 2021June 15, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00956432-00956 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 12, 2021June 15, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00894432-00894 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00947432-00947 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 11, 2021June 11, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00943432-00943 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 11, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 10, 2021432-00888432-00888 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 27, 2021June 10, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00874432-00874 (Justice)DaveMacKenzieOxfordConservativeONApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned citizens or residents of Canada draw the attention of the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to the following:THAT, WHEREAS
  • Bill C-6, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Conversion Therapy), is currently in consideration by the Canadian Parliament.
  • The term "conversion therapy" is vaguely defined in this Bill and is open to an inappropriate amount of interpretation by Canadian courts.
  • Under this Bill, Canadian parents, religious leaders, and teachers will be subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code for providing loving support and guidance—according to their fundamental religious or philosophical beliefs—to children who are struggling with their sexuality or gender.
  • Under this Bill, children are given an irresponsible amount of latitude to make major sexual and medical decisions that will have life-long implications.
  • This Bill discriminates against LGBTQ individuals seeking for guidance and counselling towards heterosexual or cis-gender behaviour and regulates choices that Canadian citizens should be permitted to make for themselves.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to protect the moral, religious, philosophical and sexual interests of the citizens of Canada by preventing the passage of this Bill into Law.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00869432-00869 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00864432-00864 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021February 19, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00846432-00846 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00844432-00844 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00839432-00839 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00834432-00834 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00831432-00831 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00826432-00826 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00825432-00825 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00819432-00819 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00814432-00814 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 19, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00813432-00813 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00802432-00802 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 19, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00798432-00798 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 19, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00796432-00796 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00794432-00794 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00790432-00790 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00789432-00789 (Justice)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00783432-00783 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 26, 2021432-00762432-00762 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 12, 2021May 26, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00754432-00754 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00744432-00744 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00742432-00742 (Justice)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00729432-00729 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00720432-00720 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00710432-00710 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 6, 2021432-00702432-00702 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMarch 23, 2021May 6, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00697432-00697 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00688432-00688 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00675432-00675 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00665432-00665 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00649432-00649 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00638432-00638 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00623432-00623 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00619432-00619 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00605432-00605 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00529432-00529 (Justice)MarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservativeONFebruary 19, 2021April 12, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, are extremely concerned about an attack on our freedom of religion, conscience, expression, belief and our ability to speak it in the public square. While all Canadians agree that no one should have to forcibly undergo a treatment they do not want, Bill C-6 prevents a person who of their own free will wants counselling or advice or prayer about their sexual confusion. We call upon the Government of Canada for a narrower definition of what the Liberals view as "conversion therapy," in order to exclude pastoral care, voluntary sought counselling, or prayer. We call upon the Government of Canada to amend or withdraw this legislation. We call upon the Government of Canada to preserve our Charter rights.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiConversion therapy efforts are rooted in the premise that one’s sexual orientation and gender identity can and should be changed to a narrow ideal of what is considered ‘natural’ or ‘normal’. There is no place for the destructive, harmful, and deadly practice of conversion therapy in Canada.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), which was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, supports the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, as well as advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people and is known to cause harm to those subjected to it.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which reported the Bill with amendments on December 11, 2020, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.” The Bill targets practices, treatments or services that are designed to change a fundamental part of a person’s identity – their sexual orientation or gender identity, because these interventions are known to cause harm.The Bill’s definition of conversion therapy captures practices, treatments or services that are designed to achieve the objective of changing a person’s identity. An activity that does not amount to a “practice, treatment or service” would not be captured by the proposed definition, nor would a practice, treatment or service that does not seek to change a person’s identity.The Bill also seeks to reduce conversion therapy’s availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community through its proposed material benefit and advertising offences. This approach strikes a balance between the rights and freedoms of adults who may choose to receive or to provide conversion therapy, and the equality and dignity of LGBTQ2 people.More information about the considerations that support the consistency of Bill C-6 with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms can be found in the Bill’s Charter Statement, available at the following link: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c6b.html.
Conversion therapySexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021e-2760e-2760 (Justice)GilleanPaygeTamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCJuly 23, 2020, at 12:15 p.m. (EDT)November 20, 2020, at 12:15 p.m. (EDT)December 9, 2020January 25, 2021November 20, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Bill C-8 conflates "sexual orientation" and "gender identity", two separate topics requiring different medical and legal treatment;In Bill C-8, "conversion therapy" is vaguely defined and overreaches established safeguarding principles by criminalizing therapies offered by medical professionals and normal conversations between children and parents, counsellors, caregivers, and educators; andBill C-8 lacks clarity as to how provincial Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons are to, under the suggested treatment restrictions, formulate science-based guidelines on best treatment options for gender-questioning, gender-dysphoric, or de-transitioning children and adults while still maintaining the Hippocratic Oath.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to address the issues outlined above and to complete and make public a gender-based analysis of the impact the legislation could have on women, children, professionals and families in health, education and caregiving roles.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiBill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), which was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, supports the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. A previous version, Bill C-8, was introduced in March 2020.The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, as well as advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people and is known to cause harm to those subjected to it.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (the Committee), which reported the Bill with amendments on December 11, 2020, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression”. The Bill targets practices, treatments or services that are designed to change a fundamental part of a person’s identity – their sexual orientation or gender identity – because these interventions are known to cause harm.The Bill’s definition of conversion therapy captures practices, treatments or services that are designed to achieve the objective of changing a person’s identity. An activity that does not amount to a “practice, treatment or service” would not be captured by the proposed definition, nor would a practice, treatment or service that does not seek to change a person’s identity.Specifically, the Bill’s definition of “conversion therapy” does not capture interventions that are considered to be legitimate by the mental health or medical professions, both of which denounce conversion therapy because it is aimed at achieving only a heterosexual or cisgender outcome, not assisting a person in exploring and developing their own identity, regardless of outcome. The Committee amended the definition’s “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that the Bill’s definition of conversion therapy does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration or development of an integrated personal identity without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.The Gender-Based Analysis Plus framework was used in the development of Bill C-6 to assess its expected impact on diverse groups of women, men, and gender diverse people. The analysis examined the impact of the proposals in Bill C-6 on LGBTQ2 Canadians, in particular Indigenous, trans and low-income individuals.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00378432-00378 (Justice)MarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservativeONDecember 9, 2020January 25, 2021December 8, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, are extremely concerned about an attack on our freedom of religion, conscience, expression, belief and our ability to speak it in the public square. While all Canadians agree that no one should have to forcibly undergo a treatment they do not want, Bill C-6 prevents a person who of their own free will wants counselling or advice or prayer about their sexual confusion. We call upon the Government of Canada for a narrower definition of what the Liberals view as "conversion therapy," in order to exclude pastoral care, voluntary sought counselling, or prayer. We call upon the Government of Canada to amend or withdraw this legislation. We call upon the Government of Canada to preserve our Charter rights.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiConversion therapy efforts are rooted in the premise that one’s sexual orientation and gender identity can and should be changed to a narrow ideal of what is considered ‘natural’ or ‘normal’. There is no place for the destructive, harmful, and deadly practice of conversion therapy in Canada.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), which was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, supports the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, as well as advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people and is known to cause harm to those subjected to it.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which reported the Bill with amendments on December 11, 2020, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.” The Bill targets practices, treatments or services that are designed to change a fundamental part of a person’s identity – their sexual orientation or gender identity, because these interventions are known to cause harm.The Bill’s definition of conversion therapy captures practices, treatments or services that are designed to achieve the objective of changing a person’s identity. An activity that does not amount to a “practice, treatment or service” would not be captured by the proposed definition, nor would a practice, treatment or service that does not seek to change a person’s identity.The Bill also seeks to reduce conversion therapy’s availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community through its proposed material benefit and advertising offences. This approach strikes a balance between the rights and freedoms of adults who may choose to receive or to provide conversion therapy, and the equality and dignity of LGBTQ2 people.More information about the considerations that support the consistency of Bill C-6 with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms can be found in the Bill’s Charter Statement, available at the following link: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c6b.html.
Conversion therapySexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 16, 2020432-00048432-00048 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABOctober 1, 2020November 16, 2020June 19, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, proposed Bill C-8 reflects the will of all Parliamentarians to ban coercive and degrading practices known as conversion therapy;However, Bill C-8 uses an overreaching definition of "conversion therapy" that could restrict practices that are not at all related to conversion therapy;And whereas, government action to fix the definition used in Bill C-8 would ensure an effective legal regime that respects the rights of all Canadians.We the undersigned therefore, urge the House of Commons to:Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and set house rules about sex and relationships;Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; andNot criminalize professional and religious counseling voluntarily requested and consented to by LGBTQ2 Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. Bill C-6 is identical to former Bill C-8, which died on the Order Paper when Parliament prorogued in August. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone against their will, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual or gender identity to cisgender, or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour.” Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific heteronormative outcome, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. For additional clarity, the Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to emphasise that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to a person’s gender transition, or to the exploration of their identity or its development.Finally, Bill C-6 proposes to prohibit profiting from and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights. We hope that all political parties will join us in defending the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians and unequivocally support a ban on conversion therapy.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledSeptember 24, 2020431-00258431-00258 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 15, 2020September 24, 2020June 5, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, proposed Bill C-8 reflects the will of all Parliamentarians to ban coercive and degrading practices known as conversion therapy;However, Bill C-8 uses an overreaching definition of "conversion therapy" that could restrict practices that are not at all related to conversion therapy;And whereas, government action to fix the definition used in Bill C-8 would ensure an effective legal regime that respects the rights of all Canadians.We the undersigned therefore, urge the House of Commons to:Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and set house rules about sex and relationships;Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; andNot criminalize professional and religious counseling voluntarily requested and consented to by LGBTQ2 Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we will absolutely be moving forward with that commitment.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights. We hope that all political parties will join us in defending the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians and unequivocally support a ban on conversion therapy.Former Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on March 9, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of former Bill C-8 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone against their will, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.Bill C-8 defined conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual or gender identity to cisgender, or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour.” Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. No practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific heteronormative outcome, would be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contained a for greater certainty clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to a person’s gender transition, or to the exploration or development of their identity.The offences proposed by former Bill C-8 would not capture conversations or discussions in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation or gender identity are expressed, including between parishioners and religious officials, or between family members.Finally, former Bill C-8 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. This recognizes that some adults seek out conversion therapy for different reasons, and respects their freedom to do so, while drawing a firm line for children, who are particularly susceptible to conversion therapy’s harms. The Bill did propose to prohibit profiting from and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community. In doing so, former Bill C-8 struck a balance between the rights and freedoms of adults who may choose to receive or to provide conversion therapy, and the equality and dignity of LGBTQ2 people. 
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities