AQW 8174/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 05/10/2020
Answered On Date: 19/10/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on work to bring forward legislation to outlaw conversion therapy.

Answer:

So-called conversion therapy is an abhorrent and inhuman practice. It is widely opposed by the United Nations, human rights experts and health professionals on the basis that it is a form of torture.

I recently met with Minister Long and Minister Swann, who share my commitment to ensure these harmful practices stop.

As this is a cross-cutting matter, it will be taken forward in the development of the Executive’s Sexual Orientation Strategy outlined in New Decade, New Approach.

I recently announced the timetable for developing the Social Inclusion Strategies in my remit, one of which is the Sexual Orientation Strategy. Subject to Executive approval, the Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan will be published and launched in December 2021. The Action Plan will include any legislative requirements that flow from this work.