Thank you for your question, Mr. Lewis.
Yes, as I said earlier, I definitely think there needs to be greater clarification defined within the bill. I think what's really important and what I see as a danger is the government's trying to regulate sexual behaviour. I understand that regulating certain methods is important, and that's why I stand with all who are opposed to conversion therapy, coercion and abuse to regulate those methods that are not healthful and that are, as Dr. Salway said, unscientific and unfounded. There's just no proof of their working.
I see the need to have regulation against that, but my concern is that they are not just attempting to regulate methods but attempting to regulate what I should and shouldn't believe. Whether I have sex with a guy or not—excuse my bluntness—is my choice, and if I choose to see a counsellor or see a mentor who is helping me to not engage in same-sex relationships or same-sex sexual activity, that should be my choice as well.
To be honest with you, I don't have an incredible debating point to make about what the law should say or how it should be structured. I'm just hoping that Mr. Lametti and the other members of the committee who are in charge of formulating this bill together can take into consideration my story.
As I said in my presentation, out of the 50 people whom Dr. Salway interviewed, one of them was me, but he obviously failed to include me in his study and in his presentation of it. I'm really hoping that members of Parliament can take me, Timothy and many others around Canada like me—young adults, old adults and teenagers—into consideration.
Thank you so much, Mr. Lewis.