Fix the Definition
Coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity should be banned.
Bill C-6, though, does something different. It applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices and even private conversations, going far beyond what most people think of when they hear this term.
The definition in Bill C-6 says that conversion therapy is "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."
Concerns About the Bill
The definition does not just apply to efforts to change a person's sexual orientation – it could also ban many different kinds of advice and counsel from parents, teachers, and guidance counselors encouraging children to reduce their sexual behaviour. For example, a counselor encourages a young person to reduce his or her number of sexual partners.
Bill C-6 could open the door for law enforcement to tap into private family communications to investigate discussion that might fit the bill's broad definition of "conversion therapy".
Further, while Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, it expressly prohibits any support for a child seeking to de-transition to their birth (cis) gender.
If passed, 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.
What We're Calling For
We are calling on the government to fix the definition of conversion therapy in Bill C-6 to achieve the following goals:
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 what 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.
Not criminalize professional and religious counseling voluntarily requested and consented to by LGBTQ2 Canadians.
Take Action
This is an important issue that affects the rights of parents, educators, counsellors, and LGBTQ2 Canadians themselves. By speaking up and making your voice heard, you can help ensure that legislation protects people from harmful practices while respecting personal autonomy and family relationships.
Contact your Member of Parliament to express your concerns about the current wording of Bill C-6. Share this information with others who may be concerned about the implications of this legislation. Together, we can work toward a definition that truly serves the best interests of all Canadians.