Conversion therapy

Any ban of these discredited practices needs a careful definition to avoid over-reaching

The federal government is studying Criminal Code reforms to halt conversion therapy. Some provinces and municipalities have already taken steps to ban such practices.

Conversion therapies seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Professional bodies such as the Canadian Psychological Association oppose any therapy with the goal of converting an individual’s sexual orientation.

Discussions of conversion therapy often refer to abusive practices used in the past such as electroshock and other kinds of aversion therapy, as well as the administration of psychotropic drugs. That these harmful practices were ever used is deeply regrettable.

The EFC is concerned, however, that many of the proposed bans go beyond coercive and aversive therapies. When these bans are discussed, support groups, pastoral care and pastoral prayer are often lumped in with conversion therapy. A Senate bill, for example, defined conversion therapy as “any practice, treatment or service designed to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, or to eliminate or reduce sexual attraction or sexual behaviour between persons of the same sex.”

A bill passed in Nova Scotia (Bill 16) and one proposed in B.C. (M-218) both prohibit a person in a position of trust or authority from any practice that aims to change a minor’s orientation or identity, except for those that support identity exploration. Could this wording capture discussions between a young person and their pastor or parents about religious instruction on sexuality?

A regulatory definition of conversion therapy that captures religious instruction or the provision of pastoral care would be a serious concern for a variety of Christian individuals and groups. According to media reports, there has already been discussion at federal government roundtables about the possibility of removing charitable status from organizations or ministries that engage in conversion therapy.

“As policymakers seek to protect individuals from harm, it’s important to ensure conversion therapy is defined in a way that does not infringe on expression of religious belief, religious instruction or the provision of pastoral care,” says Julia Beazley, the EFC’s director of public policy.

Individuals must remain free to voluntarily participate in support groups or receive spiritual care that supports them in living in a way that is consistent with their beliefs.

“Faith-based groups should not be prohibited from offering support groups or spiritual care that is voluntarily sought out by individuals, or from offering religious instruction on matters of sexuality,” says Beazley.

Meaningful freedom of expression and freedom of religion allow space for religious beliefs even, and perhaps especially, when those beliefs are not shared or in accordance with the mainstream. /FT

Support groups, pastoral care and pastoral prayer are often lumped in with conversion therapy.

“As Evangelicals, our approach to policy is rooted in the belief that all human beings are created by and loved by God. Each person is due dignity and respect. Canadian law reflects this fundamental belief in human dignity, and EFC action on public policy seeks to preserve and build on it.” – JULIA BEAZLEY, EFC director of public policy