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# Yukon bans conversion therapy
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/yukon-bans-conversion-therapy/
- Published: 2020-11-22T10:40:28.000Z
- Updated: 2020-11-22T10:40:28.000Z
- Description: Yukon has become the first Canadian territory to ban LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, ban conversion therapy, Canada, conversion therapy, Justin Trudeau, LGBTQ, LGBTQ youth

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/canada-pride-1.jpg)

**Yukon** has become the first Canadian territory to ban LGBTQ+ conversion therapy after the **Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Protection Act** was unanimously voted in on **Monday November 16**. [CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/conversion-therapy-banned-yukon-1.5796188?ref=scenemag.co.uk) reported the bill will ban the practice of conversion therapy for minors, and prevents substitute decision makers from consenting to it on behalf of an LGBTQ+ person. It also ensures the practice is not covered by health insurance.

Studies by the Canadian government also discovered 20% of gay, bisexual, trans and gender non-conforming men in the country had undergone conversion therapy, and many were left suffering from PTSD and depression as a result. Women’s directorate minister, **Jeanie McLean**, said she is proud the government is *“moving forward to protect the safety of LGBTQ+ Yukoners”* adding: “*We are allies. We need to be here for them by actively working to end discrimination and any practices that aim to do them harm”*.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/yukon-pride-1.jpg)

Joe Wickenhauser

**Joe Wickenhauser**, executive director of the **Yukon Pride Centre**, said:   *“It is a historic day for the Yukon. It’s a symbol that communicates that the government is serious about passing legislation that protects the community”.* He also highlighted that more needs to be done to help those who have been subjected to the practice which is known to cause trauma: *“We’re really at sort of a beginning place in terms of how we help people who’ve been through such a challenging and traumatic experience.”*

Canada is currently moving towards a nation-wide [ban](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/update-canada-advances-ban-on-conversion-therapy/) on conversion therapy, with an overwhelming majority in the **Canadian House of Commons** previously voting to give approval in principle to a bill outlawing LGBTQ+ conversion therapy in the nation. Canadian prime minister **Justin Trudeau** [added](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/canada-to-criminalise-lgbtq-conversion-therapy/): *“Conversion therapy is harmful, degrading, and has no place in Canada…I hope that all parties will do the right thing by supporting this bill.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/canada-pride-400-600.jpg)