End the stalling, End conversion Therapy in Ontario: Horwath

Queen’s Park – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called on the government to stop stalling and pass Bill 77, Affirming Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Act, to end the unacceptable practice of conversion therapy in the province. Horwath praised the tireless efforts of NDP LGBTQ issues critic Cheri DiNovo, who by introducing Bill 77 on behalf of New Democrats, has taken a strong stand against conversion therapy in the Legislature and in the community. Horwath said that all parties support the bill. The majority Liberal government has an obligation to treat this important legislation with the urgency it deserves.

“Conversion therapy has caused far too much pain for far too many Ontarians. It needs to stop. It needs to stop now. And we can do that by passing Bill 77.” said Horwath. “Why won’t the Premier stop the political games, do the right thing, and call Bill 77 for committee and third reading debate now?”

Instead of agreeing to move the legislation that would immediately end conversion therapy forward, the Liberal government continues to try to find excuses to stall it. Every day that the Premier forces Bill 77 to sit in limbo, is another day that conversion therapy is practiced in Ontario.

“All parties support this bill. We can pass it now – and we can put an end to conversion therapy before any more lives are damaged,” said Horwath. “The Premier can use her majority to get Bill 77 passed now.”

The NDP Leader noted that the Premier has publicly stated that conversion therapy has no place in Ontario.  Today her Minister of Health acknowledged the Bill has been reviewed by his Ministry and is now ready to move ahead. 

Horwath asked, “So why is the Premier and her majority government holding up Bill 77, when we could pass it right now?”