Conversion therapy has no place in Ontario: Kathleen Wynne

Premier Kathleen Wynne says so-called conversion therapy to attempt to alter someone's sexual orientation or gender identity is dangerous and has no place in Ontario.

Wynne, who is gay, says conversion therapy is based on the premise that being transgender or gay is wrong and needs to be corrected, adding it simply does not work.

The premier says she had a lot of life experience when she came out in her mid-30s and understood her sexuality in a way an eight-or nine-year-old cannot.

She warns that young people can be vulnerable to the notion that being gay is a choice, rather than being integral to who they are.

Wynne spoke in favour of an NDP private member's bill that would make it illegal to attempt to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of someone aged 18 and under through therapy.

The bill passed in a vote on Thursday afternoon.

Wynne said no medical guidelines in Ontario support therapy that would "convert" someone's sexual or gender identity, promising the government will make sure the medical profession is aware of that fact.

"In fact, (Health) Minister Eric Hoskins will be sending a letter to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and
other relevant colleges explaining that their rules should not allow conversion therapy," Wynne told the legislature.