Honouring the 10th Anniversary of the

Ban of Conversion Therapy

Ontario Leads the Way: A Decade Since the Ban on Conversion Therapy

Ten years ago, Ontario made history by becoming the first province in Canada to ban the harmful and abusive practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth. This groundbreaking legislation marked a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable LGBTQ children and affirming their identities.

Cheri DiNovo: A Champion for LGBTQ Rights

The ban was spearheaded by Cheri DiNovo, former Ontario NDP MPP and LGBTQ critic. DiNovo introduced the bill at Queen’s Park, calling for an end to conversion therapy for minors and the de-listing of such practices from Ontario’s healthcare coverage. The therapy, widely condemned by psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, was shown to cause severe harm, including depression and increased risk of suicide.

“We know it leads to depression. We know it leads to suicide. It must be stopped,” DiNovo stated during the bill's introduction. Her advocacy resonated across Canada and beyond, positioning Ontario as a leader in LGBTQ rights.

A Personal Story of Survival: Erika Muse

Erika Muse, a transgender woman, shared her harrowing experience with conversion therapy. At just 16, she sought support after coming out but instead endured relentless criticism aimed at changing her gender identity.

“I was relentlessly criticized about my gender presentation and instead told I needed to be a better man to fix myself,” Muse recounted. The trauma led to years of deep depression and nearly cost her life.

Proper, affirming therapy could have made a profound difference, she explained. “There are therapies you can do for trans people that help us get by, help us deal with the anxiety we have about our own bodies.” Her courage in sharing her story helped highlight the dangers of conversion therapy and the urgent need for change.

Historic Passage of the Bill

When the bill passed third reading and officially became law, DiNovo dedicated the victory to Leelah Alcorn, a 17-year-old transgender girl from Ohio who tragically took her own life after enduring conversion therapy.

“For too long we’ve allowed our LGBTQ kids to be subject to abusive ‘conversion therapies’—in fact, we’ve been paying for it. Today that ends. Today we affirm and celebrate our LGBTQ kids,” said DiNovo.

Ontario’s ban sent a powerful message: LGBTQ youth deserve support, acceptance, and love—not harmful practices disguised as therapy.

A Legacy of Change

Cheri DiNovo’s tireless advocacy has left an indelible mark on Ontario and Canada’s human rights landscape. Her work to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy is part of a broader legacy, which includes championing transgender rights and performing the first legalized same-sex marriage in Canada.

Celebrating Progress

As we reflect on the decade since this historic legislation, we celebrate the resilience of the LGBTQ community, the bravery of advocates like Cheri DiNovo, and the lives that have been saved through this ban. Ontario’s decision to outlaw conversion therapy paved the way for further progress across Canada and around the world, inspiring others to take a stand against discrimination and harmful practices.

Looking Forward

While much progress has been made, the fight for LGBTQ rights continues. Ontario’s leadership reminds us that change is possible when we listen, advocate, and stand up for what is right. Together, we can continue to build a world where all LGBTQ youth are accepted and celebrated for who they are..