CALGARY CONVERSION THERAPY BAN SENDS STRONG MESSAGE TO UCP

EDMONTON – Conversion Therapy Working Group co-chair MLA Nicole Goehring and Alberta NDP Critic for Women & LGBTQ2S+ Issues Janis Irwin issued the following statements after Calgary City Council unanimously passed a bylaw banning the discredited practice of conversion therapy in the city: 

“Conversion therapy is a damaging and hurtful practice that has no place in Alberta. We have heard clearly about the lifelong trauma it has caused—and continues to cause—members of Alberta’s LGBTQ2S+ community. Today’s decision by Calgary City Council recognizes the advice of community organizations, experts, and advocates, but most importantly, the brave and often heartbreaking testimonies of survivors.

“Today’s decision also sends a message to Jason Kenney and the UCP government: Albertans won’t let the repeated failures of this government stop them from doing the right thing. There are no more excuses. The Conversion Therapy Working Group, co-chaired by myself and Dr. Glynnis Lieb of the University of Alberta's Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services, is continuing to build strong recommendations to the Ministry of Health on the implementation of an Alberta-wide ban.”

• Nicole Goehring, co-chair, Conversion Therapy Working Group, MLA for Edmonton-Castle Downs

 

“As our caucus critic for Women & LGBTQ2S+ Issues, I was proud to be able to present to Calgary City Council in support of this ban, and I am very pleased with today’s decision. Now that many Alberta municipalities have stepped up to show leadership, and Ottawa has taken action too, it’s time for Jason Kenney and the UCP to do the same. If not, I ask them, what are they waiting for? 

“The UCP must show leadership immediately, stop catering to extremists within their party and start protecting queer and trans Albertans. We believe all Albertans deserve to feel safe and free to be themselves. Love is love, and we will always stand with Alberta’s LGBTQ2S+ community.”

Janis Irwin, Alberta NDP Critic for Women & LGBTQ2S+ Issues, MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood