OTTAWA – Green Party of Canada Interim Leader, Amita Kuttner, today applauded yesterday’s unanimous decision by the House of Commons to pass Bill C-4, the legislation to eliminate the practice of conversion therapy in Canada. The unanimous consent motion means that the bill passes all stages without debate or amendment, and now goes to the Senate.
“We will all remember what happened in Parliament yesterday and we should treasure the memory,” said Dr. Kuttner. “Truly we were privileged to witness Canada’s legislators at their very best – coming together with one voice to put an end, once and for all, to a practice that is nothing short of torture.
“As a queer and trans person, this vote is particularly significant to me and to all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. But I hope that all Canadians share my pride in what occurred in Ottawa yesterday. I call on members of the Senate to follow the example set by MPs and pass this legislation without further discussion or amendment. It’s time.”
Green Party parliamentary leader Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands) said: “Yesterday, we had a rare moment of putting country, public welfare and justice ahead of partisanship with the unanimous consent to approve the ban at every level in one swift unanimous consent motion. I was overjoyed and tearful as I rushed across the aisle to thank Conservative colleague Rob Moore. It was a glorious moment.”
Mike Morrice (MP, Kitchener Centre) agreed. “After years and years of advocacy from 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians, I was so grateful to be witness to the best of Parliament," he said. "I'm thrilled this disgusting practice is now that much closer to being banned across the country and I’m hopeful the Senate will be quick to pass the bill.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
John Chenery
john.chenery@greenparty.ca
1-613-562-4916 ext. 215