Kildare Senator: ‘Laws banning conversion therapy must be enacted without delay’

A Senator based in County Kildare has called for laws banning conversion therapy to be enacted 'without delay.'

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin has called for legislation outlawing 'alarming' conversion therapy to be enacted without delay.

Conversion therapy is an umbrella term that describes a range of methods that specifically aim to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity expression.

She pointed to research conducted by Trinity College Dublin on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), which earlier this year found conversion therapy practices take place in Ireland, and that harm is inflicted on those who experience such practices.

The study found that these practices not only pose a significant risk to mental health, but also delay acceptance of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. File pic.

Senator O'Loughlin further said that DCEDIY Minister Roderic O’Gorman, who is himself an openly gay man, has confirmed work on draft legislation to protect members of the LGBTQI+ community from conversion therapy is ongoing.

It is expected that proposals will be brought forward by the end of the year.

Commenting directly on the subject, Senator O'Loughlin said: "It is alarming and unbelievable that conversion therapy practices still exist in Ireland today."

"Research has shown time and time again that these efforts are pseudo-scientific, ineffective, and harmful to the individual being targeted and pose a significant risk to their mental health; this cannot continue."

Senator O'Loughlin continued: "While Ireland has come a long way when it comes to LGBT+ rights in the past 30 years — from decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993 to marriage equality and gender recognition legislation more recently — there is still work that needs to be done.

"Banning these practices is a priority for Fianna Fáil and we made sure it was one of our key measures in the programme for government.

"We are a leader when it comes to equality for the LGBTQI+ community, and we need to ensure that continues.

She concluded: "Conversion therapy has no place in Ireland today, and we must take action now to stamp out these practices for once and for all."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact BeLonG To or LGBT Ireland.

Additionally, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116 123 or jo@samaritans.org) or HSE counselling services (1800-235-234).