WPG NI Response to the Ban Conversion Practices Bill

This is necessary legislation to protect LGBTQIA+ people

Conversion practices are currently in operation in Northern Ireland and they harm LGBTQIA+ people. These practices are often hidden and can be deeply embedded within communities. Creating legislation which clearly defines and criminalises these practices sends a message that they are wrong and harmful.

This legislation must be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible to ensure maximum protection from conversion practices

While some aspects of conversion practices are covered by existing laws, there are many gaps. Research indicates that conversion practices can occur in a wide range of settings and can be difficult to detect. In order to eradicate conversion practices, the legislation must be drafted in as comprehensive and inclusive a manner as possible. Ensuring that this legislation can be amended to incorporate new and emerging forms of conversion practices is also important.

Community enforcement of this will be vital in order to embed the change

The Bill is focused on the enforcement associated with crimes committed, but we will need to be able to monitor and track the practices as to where they happen and how, and ideally this will come from an authority such as the Equality Commission.

Cultural change must occur in tandem with legislative change

The WPG welcomes this Bill. However, we argue that legislative change must be progressed alongside cultural change. While legislative change is symbolically and practically important it must not be seen as a panacea. Eradication of conversion practices also requires cultural change. This can be accomplished in myriad ways, for example, comprehensive, age appropriate RSE which includes affirming lessons on sexuality and gender identity as well as funding and support for LGBTQIA+ organisations.

This is an excerpt from our response to the Ban Conversion Practices Bill.