OTTAWA — The federal Liberals have reintroduced a bill that would ban forcing children or adults to undergo therapy aimed at altering their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The government had previously introducing the legislation in March, just before Parliament shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diversity Minister Bardish Chagger said this morning that so-called conversion therapy is destructive, harmful and deadly.
Chagger says addressing the issue is an important step in advancing LGBTQ rights.
When the Liberals decided to prorogue Parliament in August, it ended the bill’s march through the legislative process and it had to be reintroduced.
NDP MP Randall Garrison says his party welcomes the return of the bill; it is likely to eventually pass through the House of Commons with the NDP’s support.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 1, 2020.
The Canadian Press
