AQO 3230/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 24/02/2022
Answered On Date: 08/03/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to outline the reasons for the delay in bringing forward legislative proposals to ban conversion therapy.

Answer:

I agreed to take the lead in the process to bring forward legislation to introduce a ban on so called conversion practices here and policy work is progressing to inform the drafting of legislation to ban this abhorrent practice.

It is important to get this right and from the outset of this work, I have been clear that development of a comprehensive and robust ban would take time. It is essential that policy formation is supported by appropriate research amongst those impacted by these practices so that the resulting proposals are effective.

This is a cross cutting issue and an effective ban will require careful consideration of all of the elements involved, including penalties and enforcement, health and wellbeing, and equality and inclusion, all of which intersect in this matter.

I met stakeholders last summer to discuss how to progress this as quickly as possible and my officials have continued to work closely with representatives of those most impacted.

It was agreed that only through comprehensive research, full consultation and careful drafting of legislation can we ensure that the resulting ban is robust and effective.

To support this, working with representative groups, I have initiated work to progress local research on the impact of these practices on those affected. Further extensive stakeholder engagement will also be essential in this process.

It is vital that legislation to ban this inhumane and cruel practice is introduced as soon as possible. We also need to make sure that we do this properly and get the policy right in order to protect our LGBTQI+ community.