Image of Infographic: Proposed changes to Canada's Criminal Code relating to: Conversion Therapy

Image of Infographic: Proposed changes to Canada's Criminal Code relating to: Conversion Therapy
Infographic: Proposed changes to Canada's Criminal Code relating to: Conversion Therapy - Text version

Diversity and inclusion are among Canada’s greatest strengths. Canadians must feel safe to be who they are. There is no right and wrong when it comes to who you are or who you love.

That’s why on November 29, 2021, the Government of Canada introduced proposed legislation to end so-called conversion therapy in Canada. The proposed changes would protect the dignity and equality of all Canadians, in particular lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2) Canadians.

1) WHAT IS CONVERSION THERAPY?

Conversion therapy is defined as any service, practice or treatment designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, or gender identity to cisgender, or gender expression to match the sex assigned at birth, or designed to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour, or gender expression that does not match the sex assigned at birth, or to repress non-cisgender gender identity.

Unfortunately, conversion therapy is still very much a reality in Canada for people of all ages and can have devastating consequences. Survivors of conversion therapy are at greater risk of depression and suicide following efforts to change a fundamental part of who they are.

2) FOUR NEW PROPOSED CRIMINAL CODE OFFENCES

The proposed legislation would create four new criminal offences that would prohibit:

  • causing another person to undergo conversion therapy
  • removing a minor from Canada to subject them to conversion therapy abroad
  • profiting from providing conversion therapy
  • promoting or advertising conversion therapy

The Bill would also authorize courts to order the removal of advertisements for conversion therapy services from computer systems or the Internet.

Criminal law reform is an important step that will further protect the dignity of LGBTQ2 persons, and promote their equality. This alone won’t end the harmful practice of conversion therapy. The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces, territories, municipalities, survivors and stakeholders to ensure that Canada is a country where everyone—regardless of their gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation—can live openly, safely and free from discrimination.

For more detailed information, visit JUSTICE.GC.CA