Conversion therapies To ‘cure’ someone from his homosexuality, become punishable. A majority of the House of Representatives agreed on Tuesday to a bill of SP, PvdD, GL-PvdA, D66 and the VVD to ban ‘homogenement’. Last week it became clear in a parliamentary debate that a large part is positive about a ban on conversion therapy.
The law prohibits offering conversion therapy to minors and vulnerable adults. The proposal also prohibits the open offering of the controversial form of therapy. People or organizations that do this nevertheless risk a prison sentence of a maximum of six months or a fine of 25,000 euros.
Conservative-Christian parties in particular feared that the proposal would also make pastoral conversations within the church about gender and sexual orientation. The initiators of the law have therefore emphasized that it is only about organizations or persons who try to suppress or change someone’s sexual orientation ‘systematically’ or ‘in a penetrating way’.
BBB, CDA and NSC proponents
During the debate of last week, a majority already signed up because BBB indicated that he would vote for the bill. On Tuesday it became clear during the vote that CDA and NSC are also in favor of the law.
Wieke Paulusma, Member of Parliament of D66 and initiator of the law, reacted relieved on Tuesday after the vote. “Love never needs to be cured,” said Paulusma. “With this law we protect vulnerable against harmful practices that endanger their health and safety. This is a choice for freedom, equality and human dignity.”
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A chamber majority now seems to be a ban on conversion therapy – to ‘change’ someone’s sexuality. What makes this proposal different?