Briefing Note: Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy (Essay Sample)

Briefing Note: Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy
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Briefing Note: Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy
Introduction
Conversion therapy is a term used to describe a process, treatment, or service to change, suppress, or discourage a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. In Canada, the practice took off in the 1950s and only grew in popularity in the second part of the twentieth century (Wells, 2020). Although many healthcare practitioners used to practice conversion therapy, evidence now demonstrates a discredited practice. It violates human rights and infringes on physical and mental integrity, and should not be tolerated in a democratic society. The recent efforts to pass a bill that bans the practice speak to the urgency and importance of the issue.
Context
Conversion therapy is a misleading and unscientific practice causing great harm to vulnerable individuals. There is no scientific evidence that indicates it is possible to change a person’s sexual orientation (Raju & Bushfield, 2021). In fact, research shows any such “change efforts” are associated with devastating consequences to its victims. Liberals assert that the practice is grounded on ignorance and should be outlawed. On the other hand, individuals against government prohibitions and sanctions to ban conversion therapy argue that conversion therapy prohibition laws violate their religious freedom, freedom of expression, and