MSPs urged to reject so-called ‘conversion therapy’ ban

The Scottish Government must reject the calls of “genderist lobbyists” for a ‘conversion therapy ban’, a journalist has warned.

Writing for The Scotsman, Jenny Lindsay highlighted that “the best way to come to terms with one’s sex” is to go through the ‘awkward phase’ of puberty, whereas a ‘conversion therapy’ ban could criminalise speaking to young people struggling with their identity.

Last week, the newly elected MSP Q Manivannan, who claims to be ‘nonbinary’, put forward a sweeping motion in Holyrood calling for a ban on conversion practices. The Scottish Government has previously pledged to publish legislation should the UK Government’s Bill not go far enough.

‘Queering reality’

Lindsay warned that “the push for ‘queering’ reality continues”, as gender self-ID and ‘conversion therapy’ bans “are two of the most common ways gender ideology has successfully captured parliaments in countless countries this past 15 years”.

“Don’t be fooled”, she wrote, “into thinking this motion has anything to do with outlawing torturous practices aimed at changing someone’s sexual orientation”.

She explained that rather than outlawing electric shocks and beatings – which are, of course, already illegal in the UK – a ban would criminalise “any discussion with a young person who is struggling – as so many are – with their sexed bodies, gender stereotypes, and the bombardment of confusing messages about ‘gender identity’ in our culture”.

‘Enormous damage’

The journalist emphasised that gender-confused people’s “distress is real and shouldn’t be downplayed”, but questioned the ‘solution’ of identifying as the opposite sex.

She noted the insidious culture of social media where “these identities are broadcast online, validated with clicks and likes – sometimes monetised – for an audience buying into that branded ‘you.’ As we all know, young people then imitate their idols.”

The columnist concluded that MSPs need to do due diligence on this issue, rather than unquestioningly validating trans-identifying teens and turning a blind eye to the “enormous” damage that has already been done to children.