Local MP Dave MacKenzie brought forward a motion to the House of Commons regarding conversion therapy that is drawing criticism from the Oxford NDP and Oxford Pride Committee.
OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County MP Dave MacKenzie has brought forward a petition to the House of Commons to amend Bill C-6 as it relates to "conversion therapy."
MacKenzie says it is a petition that was signed by 1149 people.
"It was forwarded to me by individuals and asked to present it to the house and that is what we do. That petition was in respect to Bill C-6, which is an act to amend the criminal code as it relates to conversion therapy. What it is and I'm not talking about my views, it is the views of the petitioners and I understand the Pride people were not happy with it but we know, we talked about it as a party, the LGBTQ are not happy with the legislation neither. It is a heavy handed legislation that does not benefit anybody."
MacKenzie says this bill isn't about electrodes or forcing people to be something they are not.
"If a young child came home one day and said mom you think I'm a boy, but really I'm a girl and mom sits down and says we should talk about this and maybe we should talk to a doctor or someone else, this legislation says you can't do that. This legislation takes away from parents, teachers, everybody to have those discussions with somebody about the whole thing. It's not a case of trying to change anybody, it's just there should be an opportunity to discuss things in an open manner. It doesn't mean anybody is going to beat you over the hand or slap your hands or whatever."
You can listen to the interview with the MP below:
You can read the petition in it's entirety below:
THAT, WHEREAS
Bill C-6, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Conversion Therapy), is currently in consideration by the Canadian Parliament.
The term "conversion therapy" is vaguely defined in this Bill and is open to an inappropriate amount of interpretation by Canadian courts.
Under this Bill, Canadian parents, religious leaders, and teachers will be subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code for providing loving support and guidance—according to their fundamental religious or philosophical beliefs—to children who are struggling with their sexuality or gender.
Under this Bill, children are given an irresponsible amount of latitude to make major sexual and medical decisions that will have life-long implications.
This Bill discriminates against LGBTQ individuals seeking for guidance and counselling towards heterosexual or cis-gender behaviour and regulates choices that Canadian citizens should be permitted to make for themselves.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to protect the moral, religious, philosophical and sexual interests of the citizens of Canada by preventing the passage of this Bill into Law.
The Oxford County Pride Committee shared the petition on Facebook calling the petition insane. They are urging people to contact the MP and express your concerns about this ongoing support of conversion therapy. President of the Pride Committee Tami Murray called into Heart FM today to explain why she is horrified and disturbed by this petition being brought forward by our local MP. She also clarifies what is in Bill C-6 and that it does not prevent rational discussions between family members, teachers and others around gender identity or sexual orientation.
The Mayor of Zorra Township has also issued a public statement on the issue on his Facebook Page. Marcus Ryan states he is very disappointed in Dave MacKenzie right now.
"I’m very disappointed in this @DaveMacKenzieMP. It is not leadership to simply bring forward any and all petitions presented. Conversion “therapy” is a pseudoscientific attempt to change sexual orientation. This should not be supported in any way."
I’m very disappointed in this @DaveMacKenzieMP It is not leadership to simply bring forward any and all petitions...
Posted by Marcus Ryan - OxfordandZorra on Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Oxford County NDP President Matthew Chambers called out the MP on twitter stating he is at a loss for words."
"Wow! Dave MacKenzie, MP for Oxford, has spoken in the House of Commons for the Third time since his re-election in 2019! He has introduced a petition, that essentially calls for the continuation of, and access to, conversion therapy under the guise of religious and philosophical freedom. We know whose pocket Dave MacKenzie is in. Conversion therapy is abuse. Period. Right now I'm at a loss for words. I'm sure once words return, they will be various and none too kind."
Wow! Dave MacKenzie, MP for Oxford, has spoken in the House of Commons for the Third time since his re-election in 2019!
— Matthew Chambers NDP 🍊🐄🌾⚘🇨🇦 (@MatthewNewDem) April 27, 2021
He introduced a petition, which I've attached below. Right now I'm at a loss for words. I'm sure once words return, they will be various and none too kind.
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