Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 22, 2015

Province Takes Steps to Ban Conversion Therapy

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Harmful Practice Has No Place in Manitoba Health Care: Minister Blady

Manitoba Health will work in partnership with the province’s regional health authorities and health regulatory colleges to ensure that conversion therapy is not practised in Manitoba’s health-care system, Health Minister Sharon Blady announced today.

Conversion therapy, also referred to as reparative or sexual reorientation therapy, is based on the theory that people can change their sexual orientation from gay to straight.  Many health organizations have taken the step of condemning the practice in position statements and policies.

“The idea that sexual orientation or gender identity can be cured through health-care intervention has the very real potential to damage an individual,” said Minister Blady.  “Overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that conversion therapy, especially when it is practised on young people, is neither medically nor ethically appropriate, and can cause substantial harm.”

Minister Blady noted the Manitoba Human Rights Codeprohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation including in the provision of health services.  The code was amended in 2012 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity.  In the case of minors, any health-related treatment must be done with the full, free and informed consent of the child, taking into account the child’s age maturity and best interests.

“It is the position of the Manitoba government that conversion therapy can have no place in the province’s public health-care system,” Minister Blady said.  “As such, fee for service professionals should not be billing for this practice under the Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan.”

The minister said in recognizing the role that health regions and health profession colleges and associations play in providing high-quality and compassionate care to all Manitobans, they have been informed of this position and asked to take the following immediate steps:

  • ensure that health professionals who are employed by, or providing health services on behalf of, the regions are not undertaking this activity, particularly in relation to children under the age of 18;
  • review professional codes of ethics and standards of practice to ensure that it is not condoned nor accepted as legitimate practice, particularly for children under the age of 18; and,
  • encourage individuals who may receive such treatment from a regulated health-care professional to file a complaint with the respective college or association.

“All Manitobans should be confident that they will be treated ethically, equitably and fairly based on evidence-informed care,” said Minister Blady.  “To date, my office has not received any direct evidence of this practice occurring in our health-care system. However, I want to make our government’s concerns about this clear and take this proactive step with the colleges and the regional health authorities to ensure this practice takes no foothold in this province.”

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