Huron-Bruce constituents express anger over MP Ben Lobb's conversion therapy vote
A bill to criminalize the practice of forcefully trying to “turn someone straight” has passed third reading in parliament. But not before 63 Conservative MPs voted against it.
“It’s extremely disappointing, jaw dropping, really,” says Fort Papalia, the founder and president of Kincardine Pride.
Papalia says he knows many Huron-Bruce constituents who are upset that their MP, Huron-Bruce’s Ben Lobb, was one of those 63 members voting against Bill C-6.
It's a bill that moves to ban most activities surrounding conversion therapy, including the advertising of the controversial practice.
“I’m against conversion therapy,” says Lobb. “It’s an abhorrent practice that has no place in Canadian society. But, what we were really looking for was an open and honest conversation that parents could have,” says the Huron-Bruce MP.
Lobb says he supported Bill C-6 on second reading, and would have earlier this week too, if the government had added an amendment better protecting a parents, or mentors, or doctors' ability to have a conversation about conversion therapy.
“Anybody that says Ben Lobb supports conversion therapy is lying to you. Because I don’t. I do not support conversion therapy. I’m against it. But it really comes down to the ability to have the conversation,” says Lobb.
That's semantics says Papalia, and AJ Adams, who is researching what it’s like to grow up and live LGBTQ2+ in rural Ontario.
“Fifty per cent of LGBTQ folks from rural Ontario believe that Conservative views and beliefs are one of the largest barriers for them. So, this just adds to the narrative that Conservatives in small towns are anti-gay, because we know that really isn’t true,” says Adams.
“Here was an opportunity for him(Lobb) to show leadership. Show us why conversion therapy is wrong and why it needs to be outlawed. He didn’t. So, he failed his community, and his constituents,” believes Papalia.
Bill C-6 is now headed to the Senate for debate.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.