SNP outlines its proposal to ban ‘conversion therapy’ after its self-ID law was blocked by UK Government
Parents who refuse to allow their children to change gender could face up to seven years in jail.
Changing or suppressing another individual’s gender identity, causing them physical or psychological harm, would become illegal.
Emma Roddick, SNP equalities minister, said attempts to change or suppress a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation were ‘damaging and destructive’ violations of human rights.
Maggie Chapman, equality spokesman for the Scottish Greens, backed the planned law, as part of the coalition pact with the SNP.
SNP ministers say so-called conversion practices often took place in a ‘family setting’. This has raised concerns that parents could be criminalised if they refuse to agree to support their child’s declaration that they are transgender.
Stopping someone from ‘dressing in a way that reflects their sexual orientation or gender identity’ could become illegal.
Parents or religious leaders could be interdicted, even where conversion practices had not yet taken place.
‘We have grave concerns that these plans will criminalise loving parents, who could face years in jail simply for refusing to sign up to the gender ideology cult’, said Marion Calder of For Women Scotland.
‘They will also hand activists and social workers unprecedented powers to meddle in family life, while having a chilling impact on therapists and counsellors.
The measures also include steps to outlaw conversion therapy aimed at turning gay people straight.
No one would be criminalised for ‘expressing concerns’, ‘advising a child against medical interventions’ or ‘not actively supporting’ a child’s decision to dress as a member of the opposite sex.
If actions become ‘coercive’ or ‘controlling’ then the law would apply.
Critics include the Catholic Church and Care for Scotland, a Christian charity.
[Photo: Emma Roddick, Scotland’s Equalities Minister, flickr]