The EU must introduce a European-wide ban on dangerous conversion therapy practices that are still taking place today, a Fine Gael MEP has said.
MEP Maria Walsh, Co-Chair of the European Parliament’s LGBTQI+ Intergroup, has called for a European-wide ban on “conversion therapies” following a European Citizens’ Initiative backed by over 1.2 million people urging the European Commission to act.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“While many people think conversion therapy is something from the past, the reality is that these harmful practices are still taking place across Europe today. Members of the LGBTQI+ community are forced to undergo dangerous and harmful ‘therapies’ in a futile effort to change their sexuality – fueled by hate and fear.
“Only eight EU countries have taken the step of banning conversion therapy. As an Irish MEP, and as a member of the LGBTQI+ community myself, it’s very difficult to accept that Ireland is not among them.
“Ireland has shown real leadership on LGBTIQ+ rights. We were the first country in the world to vote for marriage equality by popular vote over a decade ago. But despite clear commitments in successive Programmes for Government, we still have not banned conversion therapy.
“Banning these practices would not just be symbolic – it would send a clear message that attempts to erase or change who someone is have no place in our society.
“More than 1.2 million people across Europe have signed a citizens’ initiative pushing for action. They are asking the European Union to stand up for their fundamental rights, and I am joining them in calling for the Commission to take urgent action.
“I am also calling on Ireland to finally deliver this long-promised legislation, so that these harmful practices are put to an end once and for all. We cannot allow members of our LGBTIQ+ community to continue to suffer in silence.”