CIJA Welcomes the Passing of Bill C-6 Through the House of Commons and Senate
Ottawa, ON— Tuesday, Bill C-6 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code – conversion therapy) passed third reading in the House of Commons and is currently in the Senate of Canada for debate.
The bill recognizes the harm done by conversion therapy to individuals – particularly children and youth – and to society at large and aims to protect the human dignity and equality of all Canadians.
In response, the National LGBTQ2+ Advisory Council of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued the following:
“CIJA’s national LGBTQ2+ Advisory Council is very pleased to see Bill C-6 pass Third Reading and proud to have advocated in favour of banning conversion therapy in Canada. We hope that all senators will now work together to enact this Bill into law as quickly as possible.
“Our conversations with members of the LGBTQ2+ community from across Canada – including survivors of conversion therapy – confirmed that the practice of conversion therapy is not only harmful and regressive but also sustains dangerous myths and stereotypes about sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. We support this Bill, and we look forward to working with the Senate as it reviews the legislation.
“Our LGBTQ2+ siblings, parents, children, friends, neighbours and colleagues do not need to be ‘fixed.’ They do not need to be ‘converted’ into something – or someone – they are not. They need our embrace, our love.
“CIJA applauds the commitment and leadership of Ministers Bardish Chagger and David Lametti in advancing this legislation and congratulates former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues, Randy Boissonnault, and NDP MP Randall Garrison for securing passage of the Bill in the House.
“Together, we can create a better world for future generations. CIJA’s national LGBTQ2+ Advisory Council and CIJA are elated to continue supporting this crucial step forward.”
Evan Pilz (he/him), Chair, CIJA LGBTQ2+ National Advisory
Jess Burke (she/her), Associate Director, Community Training and Campus Advocacy and Liaison to LGBTQ2+ Partnerships
CIJA’s LGBTQ2+ Advisory Council has been established to provide CIJA with guidance regarding policies and issues of interest to the LGBTQ2+ community, while strengthening CIJA’s capacity to engage local LGBTQ2+ activists and organizations across Canada.
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