The Greens say their petition to ban conversion therapy has forced the Government into action, and they’re promising to strongly reject any religious exemptions.
Green MP Dr Elizabeth Kerekere launched a petition at Auckland’s Big Gay Out a week ago to ban conversion therapy – gaining 158,300 signatures – and it was tabled at Parliament on Tuesday.
“We need to ensure from the beginning that we’re very clear there can be no religious exemptions and we have to include all parts of our rainbow community,” Dr Kerekere said.
“I refute any assertion that this is a free speech matter. Free speech should never be used as an excuse for allowing people to cause harm and this is all that’s happening here.”