Kelowna city council condemn conversion therapy, want Ottawa to ban it

Lawmakers in Kelowna have unanimously condemned the widely discredited practice of conversion therapy.

The motion passed Monday afternoon, alongside a call for the mayor to pen a letter to Ottawa to urge haste on the re-introduction of legislation to make the practice illegal across the country.

“Growing up gay in Kelowna I entirely understand the passion that has gone into this request and the barbaric act that conversion therapy is and the trauma it has caused in the LGBTQ2S+ community,” Coun. Loyal Wooldridge said. “I think we have been very, very strong; that we stand, and we oppose this.”

Conversion therapy is the term used to describe efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The process is often carried out under the guise of religious therapy, incorporating spiritual or psychological tactics.

Several community groups have previously pushed for a ban on conversion therapy locally.

And while other cities in Canada have outlawed the practice, City Clerk Stephen Fleming said Kelowna does not have the legal authority to do so under the British Columbia Community Charter and based on B.C. case law.

“Other municipalities in other provinces may very well have such an authority. This is a good example of [how] authorities differ in local government by province … in that each province is responsible for establishing what authorities each municipality has,” he said.

The topic found its way to city council via Mayor Colin Basran, who initially called for just a letter to be penned to the federal government, asking for a ban on conversion therapy.

But Coun. Mohini Singh pushed for more, insisting on the importance of council taking a stronger stance against the practice.

“We believe so strongly in inclusion, I believe it will send a strong message to the public that this is our position,” she said.

Coun. Bred Sieben understood the desire for a local ban but believes the path through Ottawa for a nationwide law is the correct way to go.

“This needs to get back onto the table as it has been before and finished. That is what is actually going to make a difference in all communities across Canada,” he said. “This is a pretty strong statement and shouldn't be thought of as council not taking a strong position.”

The move comes as Pride Week begins in Kelowna. Events are planned all week.