Steps to eradicate ‘archaic’ conversion therapy welcomed

Sinn Féin Councillor Aileen Mellon has welcomed a commitment by Communities Minister Carál Ni Chuilín to undertake work to ban conversion therapy.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 11th Sep 2020, 14:24 BST
Sinn Fein Councillor Aileen MellonSinn Fein Councillor Aileen Mellon
Sinn Fein Councillor Aileen Mellon

The Derry Councillor said that the “archaic practice of conversion therapy seeks to denormalise and completely eradicate a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression”.

She added: “Conversion therapy is rooted in intolerance and bigotry. I welcome that Communities Minister Carál Ni Chuilin has committed to working to outlaw this deeply harmful and regressive practice.

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“In the 26 Counties, Sinn Féin Senator Fintan Warfield successfully brought forward a bill to outlaw conversion therapies in 2018. The work of Senator Warfield and the LGBTQI+ community has resulted in the Irish Government now committing to legislate against conversion therapies in the near future. It is time to ban conversion therapies and to stand against hate.”

Colr. Mellon added: “Sinn Féin will continue to work across the island of Ireland to eradicate hatred and to provide maximum support for LGBTQI+ citizens.”

Related topics:Sinn FeinCountiesGovernmentMellon