Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
The original bill has a “for greater certainty” clause in clause 5, which attempts to say what is not covered in this ban on conversion therapy. It has two paragraphs, (a) and (b). We heard testimony and concerns from members about the vagueness of those two provisions in the “for greater certainty” clause.
So what I've done is draft an amendment that more parallels clinical practice than what was already in the bill. What the amendment would say is that the ban doesn't cover things that relate “to the exploration and development of an integrated personal identity without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.” In other words, any good-faith attempts to assist a person with any questions about their identity or the development of their identity would not be covered by this bill, and it is neutral. The presumption of this amendment is that what we're defending here is those good-faith efforts that are not, in fact, aimed at changing or denigrating any particular orientation, identity or form of expression.
I think it's an important amendment. I think it matches the testimony that we heard from many witnesses, and I hope it will receive broad support of the committee.
Thank you.