Tory MPS allowed to vote freely on pair of hot topics

Liberals introduce new legislation on assisted dying, conversion therapy

OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Erin O’toole says he’ll allow MPS free votes on two bills that are controversial within his party.

Last week, the Liberal government reintroduced legislation to ban the practice of forcing someone to undergo therapy aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity.

On Monday, the Liberals reintroduced a bill that expands eligibility for medical assistance in dying.

Asked on his way into his weekly meeting with MPS Wednesday whether he’ll allow them free votes on the bills, O’toole was succinct: “Yes, we will.” Both pieces of legislation have met stiff resistance from socially conservative pockets of the Conservative party, and how O’toole would deal with the bills formed part of the storyline for the leadership race he won in August.

Two of the candidates, current Ontario MP Derek Sloan and Leslyn Lewis, who is seeking to run for Parliament in the next election, were harshly critical of the ban on conversion therapy, alleging it would criminalize mere conversations between parents and children.

The Liberals say the bill does no such thing, but even O’toole has picked up on that thread, suggesting in his speech in response to the legislation last week that it is insufficiently clear in its provisions and saying his party will seek amendments.

“Conversion therapy should be banned to protect young people who identify as LGBTQ+. I want everyone to feel accepted in our society,” he said. “Let us do this in the right way and make sure their support networks are not jeopardized in the process.”

On medical assistance in dying, O’toole voted against the original legislation when it was introduced.

Conservatives have long demanded more chances to cast their votes according to conscience and not on party lines, an issue that can be more sensitive when a party is in power.