43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00995432-00995 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 28, 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.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01090432-01090 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 11, 2021March 10, 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.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01002432-01002 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 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.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01109432-01109 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 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.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01009432-01009 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBMay 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.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01051432-01051 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCJune 7, 2021April 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.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01023432-01023 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABJune 1, 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.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00975432-00975 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 26, 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.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00997432-00997 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMay 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.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00970432-00970 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 25, 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.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01134432-01134 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 16, 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.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01017432-01017 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMay 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.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01127432-01127 (Justice)ChrisLewisEssexConservativeONJune 16, 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.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd 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 Parliament229Not certifiedMay 31, 2021e-3220e-3220 (Justice)ChadHoughtonPhilipLawrenceNorthumberland—Peterborough SouthConservativeONApril 29, 2021, at 7:07 p.m. (EDT)May 29, 2021, at 7:07 p.m. (EDT)May 31, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>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;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";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 behaviour; andBill 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;We, the undersigned, residents of Northumberland County, call upon the House of Commons to: 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 by adding the following to Section 320.101 "c) to the expression of views on sexual orientation, sexual feelings or gender identity, such as where teachers, school counsellors, pastoral counsellors, faith leaders, doctors, mental health professionals, friends or family members provide support to persons struggling with their sexual orientation, sexual feelings or gender identity, 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.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd 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 tabledJanuary 25, 2021e-2443e-2443 (Health)JENN RICKYSMITHDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonConservativeONJuly 8, 2020, at 5:39 p.m. (EDT)November 5, 2020, at 5:39 p.m. (EDT)December 4, 2020January 25, 2021November 6, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:There is enormous evidence suggesting psychologically and emotionally vulnerable children are identifying as transgender at enormously disproportionate rates; Recent information suggests that Foster children are identifying as transgender at rates 15 to 20 times higher than children not in government care;These kids are being victimized by a predatory medical pharmaceutical complex that stands to make billions of dollars off of these kids;There is evidence to suggest transgender science is tainted with pharmaceutical industry conflicts of interest;An inquiry can be carefully screened to make sure there are no, even minor, conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical complex or any other pecuniary or non-pecuniary conflicts exist; The medical transitioning of these vulnerable youths could be regarded as a crime against humanity that preys on the weakest children and can permanently sterilize them and cause irreversible changes to their bodies and lives; andAt a bare minimum a national inquiry should be conducted.We, the undersigned, residents of Abbotsford, call upon the Government of Canada to immediately order a moratorium on the medical transitioning of minors under the age of 18 and launch a carefully screened national inquiry into why so many vulnerable children (including high numbers of autistic children) are going on to medically transition.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe Government of Canada is committed to working towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive country, where everyone is free to be themselves and participate fully in society. As part of this work, the Honourable Bardish Chagger was appointed as Minister to the newly created Diversity and Inclusion and Youth portfolio in November 2019. In addition to other areas, the Minister’s mandate letter includes five LGBTQ2-specific commitments, namely: 
  • Continuing the work of the LGBTQ2 Secretariat in promoting equality, protecting rights and addressing discrimination;
  • Additional investments for LGBTQ2 organizations;
  • Working with the Minister of Health to end the blood ban for men who have sex with other men;
  • Consulting LGBTQ2 civil society representatives to lay the groundwork for an LGBTQ2 Action Plan; and,
  • Supporting the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy.
 The Minister’s updated mandate letter asks for the acceleration of an LGBTQ2 action plan that will “guide the work of the federal government on the priorities of LGBTQ2 Canadians.” As part of its commitment to promoting equality and protecting LGBTQ2 rights, the Government of Canada has taken concrete measures in recent years that protect trans youth from discrimination. LGBTQ2 rights are human rights. Everyone in Canada deserves access to quality and compassionate healthcare – and that includes access to gender affirming surgery. Canada has in place robust laws to protect children from all forms of abuse, including the criminal law at the federal level and child protection laws at the provincial and territorial level. In 2020, it introduced Bill C-6: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), with work continuing to progress on the proposed legislation. Amongst other offenses related to the practice, this amendment will protect trans youth from undergoing coercive efforts to change their gender identity to cisgender.  Launched on November 27, 2020 with a national online survey, the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth is also currently undertaking a comprehensive engagement process with LGBTQ2 communities across Canada to inform a federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan. There is the potential that this engagement will help to identify further ways through which the federal government can address discrimination against trans communities, including youth. This builds on Bill C-16: An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, which received royal assent in 2017. This amendment added gender identity and expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds for discrimination. Treatment for children and youth who experience distress as a result of their gender identity not matching their sex assigned at birth is a matter that falls within provincial and territorial responsibility for health care (with the exception of eligible First Nations and Inuit peoples, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, resettled refugees and some refugee claimants, and inmates in federal penitentiaries). However, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has integrated components specifically designed to address needs of LGBTQ2 populations within a number of its community-based grants and contribution programs. In this context, the following is relevant research and evidence, as well as some of the measures the Government of Canada has taken to advance gender equality, which is an important determinant of health. It is well established that many obstacles faced by gender diverse individuals can lead to distress, including a lack of acceptance within society, direct or indirect experiences with discrimination, or assault. These experiences may in turn cause gender diverse people to suffer with anxiety, depression or related disorders at higher rates than non-transgender persons, leading to higher rates of suicide among transgender Canadians.[1] Creating conditions where transgender and gender diverse people are recognized, feel valued, and are free from discrimination is an important step towards supporting their health and wellbeing. Research has shown that transgender youth are over-represented in the foster care system, at a rate approximately twice that of cisgender youth.[2],[3] While transgender youth enter the child welfare system for reasons similar to those of other children and youth, conditions are exacerbated for transgender youth when their families reject, neglect, or abuse them because of their gender identity. It is estimated that 43% of LGBTQ2 youth experiencing homelessness are forced from their homes because of conflicts with their families about their sexual orientation or gender identity; 32% of homeless LGBTQ2 youth have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse at home over their sexual orientation or gender identity.[4] To promote the health and welfare of transgender and gender diverse persons in all cultural settings, evidence-informed protocols and guidelines in the care of transgender, gender dysphoric and gender non-conforming people have been developed by individual clinics, and national and international professional associations alike. These guidelines include providing psychoeducational and social support to young people and their parents, as well as appropriate psychological evaluation. Treatments available to youth who meet criteria for gender dysphoria and who are determined to be appropriate for physical interventions include puberty suppression, cross-sex hormones in later adolescence, and gender-affirming surgical procedures (which are generally available when a person reaches the legal age of majority to give consent).[5] Standards of care are updated and revised as new scientific information becomes available.[6] PHAC’s commitment to address the health needs of transgender populations is also supported by the Government of Canada-wide mandatory use of sex and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) in all research, program and policy development. SGBA+ is a tool to assess the potential impacts of policies, programs, and initiatives on diverse groups of men and women, boys and girls, and to mitigate those impacts. Using SGBA+ while considering other identity factors, such as gender identity, supports PHAC’s commitment to health equity, and allows for coordinated action to address health inequalities of LGBTQ2 populations. These important steps will benefit all Canadians by creating a more gender equitable and inclusive society that supports mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing throughout the life course. Our government will continue to work closely with LGBTQ2 communities and all our partners to achieve greater equality, inclusion, and safety for LGBTQ2 Canadians.   [1] Veale, J. F., Watson, R. J., Peter, T., & Saewyc, E. M. (2017). Mental health disparities among Canadian transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 60(1), 44-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.09.014[2] Fish, J. N., Baams, L., Wojciak, A. S., & Russell, S. T. (2019). Are sexual minority youth overrepresented in foster care, child welfare, and out-of-home placement? Findings from nationally representative data. Child abuse & neglect, 89, 203-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.005[3] Wilson, B. D., Cooper, K., Kastanis, A., & Nezhad, S. (2014). Sexual and gender minority youth in foster care: Assessing disproportionality and disparities in Los Angeles. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6mg3n153[4] Durso, L. E., & Gates, G. J. (2012). Serving our youth: Findings from a national survey of services providers working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/80x75033[5] Strang, J. F., Powers, M. D., Knauss, M., Sibarium, E., Leibowitz, S. F., Kenworthy, L., & Pervez, N. (2018). “They thought it was an obsession”: Trajectories and perspectives of autistic transgender and gender-diverse adolescents. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 48(12), 4039-4055. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3723-6[6]https://www.wpath.org/about/ethics-and-standards
ChildrenGender identity and gender expressionInquiries and public inquiriesMoratoriumTransgender persons
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 tabledDecember 7, 2020e-2289e-2289 (Information and privacy)JenniferJosephDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonConservativeONFebruary 14, 2020, at 10:33 a.m. (EDT)April 14, 2020, at 10:33 a.m. (EDT)October 23, 2020December 7, 2020April 14, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:There are no explicit protections for transgender people in Bill C-16. Instead Bill C-16 creates protections for "gender identity" and "gender expression", which have no precise legal definition. This has triggered litigation against women who now need to prove they have a right to women's only safe spaces and sex-segregated activities. Bill C-16 erodes women's sex based rights outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;Before Bill C-16 passed in the House of Commons, the current government pledged that no piece of legislation proposed would ever pass without a full and proper gender-based analysis (GBA) report. This report has never been published or made public, and inquiries made through the Freedom of Information Act suggest it was never completed; andAs of January 2019, Statistics Canada are no longer recording the sex of criminals, but instead the gender by which they identify. Statistics Canada response when contacted and asked if it would effect any research based on the data was "Statistics Canada consulted extensively, and performed the necessary statistical tests to evaluate the impact of this change. It is expected the change will have no impact on the analysis of the data." Again, the public has not been made aware of what statistical tests/methodology they used, nor has anything been published.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon Candice Bergen to ask for the Gender-Based Analysis report be made public, and for Statistics Canada to explain their analysis or publish the results.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiFormer Bill C-16, An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, was an important step forward in protecting the dignity, security and freedom of transgender and gender-diverse Canadians. With this Bill, Parliament affirmed that trans and gender-diverse persons are entitled to equal protection from discrimination, hate propaganda, and hate crime; and that every individual is entitled to express their gender identity or gender expression without fear of harm.The passage of this legislation in no way diminishes the importance of considering the differential impacts of policy choices on specific segments of the Canadian population. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the full implementation of gender-based analysis across federal departments and agencies. With Budget 2019, the Government of Canada published its first Gender Report, which is publicly available online. 
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Navdeep BainsThe new gender and sex standards released by Statistics Canada, on April 13th, 2018, followed several months of focus groups and testing sessions with cisgender and transgender individuals. Statistics Canada also consulted with transgender and non-binary individuals, representatives of organizations serving the transgender population, academic experts in the measurement of gender identity, as well as several federal departments.Statistics Canada has analyzed the results of its social statistics surveys, where sample sizes were sufficient, by comparing the results using either sex or gender.  No significant impact was found when comparing the effect on the characteristics analyzed. These assessments were performed by analysts responsible for these statistical programs. Statistics Canada is currently in the process of implementing either the sex at birth and gender questions or the gender question only into its different collection vehicles.
Access to informationDiscriminationGender identity and gender expressionGender-based analysis
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