Bill No. 9, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Protection Act received assent today and is now in force. The Act bans conversion therapy in Yukon, supporting the government’s commitment to inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit plus Yukoners (LGBTQ2S+).
The Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychiatric Society have broadly discredited conversion therapy, and the aim of this Act is to protect minors and adults that have a substitute decision maker or guardian appointed from harm associated with the practice. The Act also clarifies that conversion therapy is not an insured service.
Yukon is the fourth Canadian province or territory to pass legislation banning or criminalizing conversion therapy.
All Yukoners benefit from a more inclusive society. Banning conversion therapy in Yukon is another step in our journey to ensure our territory is inclusive and free of discrimination. I want to thank Yukon’s strong LGBTQ2S+ community for their advocacy and advice on how we can make Yukon a place where all are welcome. This is not only about protecting Yukoners today, but also protecting the generations to follow us.
Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate Jeanie McLean
A ban on conversion therapy is one of the items in the Government of Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ Action Plan, developed based on engagement with Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ community.
Conversion therapy qualifies as practices, treatments or services that are provided with the intent of changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Conversion therapy does not include a range of legitimate medical and psychological practices around coping, social support, identity exploration and development, or gender-affirming surgery and related treatments.
A guardian or substitute decision-maker is someone who has been appointed to manage an adult’s personal affairs.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Alex Hill
Communications, the Women’s Directorate
867-667-3030
alex.hill@gov.yk.ca