These three parties were extremely critical at the start of the law treatment in February. NSC, BBB, CDA found the proposal to criminalize so -called conversion treatments unclear and difficult to enforce.
The initiators – from GL/PvdA, VVD, D66, SP and the animal party – want practices aimed at changing or suppressing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity are banned. For minors, every attempt at so -called conversion therapy must lead to punishability. Violators risk a prison sentence of a maximum of one year or a fine of up to 25,000 euros.
Criticism from the Chamber and stainless steel
In February this plan was still rejected by a narrow majority. Various parties warned that the legal text was too vague and that conversations within churches or healthcare institutions could also be wrongly punishable.
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For example, there were great doubts in a advice from the Council of State about the necessity, enforceability and possible violation of fundamental rights. In addition, there is a critical science test. In this report, various scientists indicate some shortcomings of the bill. They also question the usefulness of the law because there are few reliable figures about the size of conversion practices in the Netherlands.
NSC, CDA and BBB first skeptical
NSC, CDA, BBB were disadvantaged for that reason. Now they are more positive about it: on the one hand because the initiators have laid down in a new adjustment of the law text that only behaviors that ‘systematically or in a penetrating way’ fall under the criminalization, on the other hand because it has been made clearer that a conversation about this subject does not fall within the reach of the law.
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According to the defenders, it is only about situations in which a person is being exerted on a person over a longer period and with high intensity to change or suppress his orientation or identity. A one -off conversation by a pastor or youth worker falls outside the criminalization, the initiators say.
Majority in sight
Despite these allowances, NSC, BBB and CDA are not yet on board. CDA MP Derk Boswijk does indicate that he is satisfied with the allowances, but NSC and BBB have submitted their own amendments.
For example, NSC wants to guarantee that not everyone can be prosecuted. BBB MP Marieke Wijen-Nass has submitted a proposal to exclude doctors and care providers from the criminalization. If this adjustment is adopted, she says to vote. With the support of only BBB and CDA, the proposal can also count on a majority of the Chamber.