The EU must introduce a European-wide ban on dangerous conversion therapy practices that are still taking place today, a Fine Gael MEP has said.
MEP Maria Walsh, Co-Chair of the European Parliament’s LGBTQI+ Intergroup, has called for a European-wide ban on “conversion therapies” following a European Citizens’ Initiative backed by over 1.2 million people urging the European Commission to act.
MEP Walsh said, “While many people think conversion therapy is something from the past, the reality is that these harmful practices are still taking place across Europe today.
"Members of the LGBTQI+ community are forced to undergo dangerous and harmful ‘therapies’ in a futile effort to change their sexuality, fueled by hate and fear.
“Only eight EU countries have taken the step of banning conversion therapy. As an Irish MEP and as a member of the LGBTQI+ community myself, it is very difficult to accept that Ireland is not among them.
“Ireland has shown real leadership on LGBTIQ+ rights. We were the first country in the world to vote for marriage equality by popular vote over a decade ago. But despite clear commitments in successive Programmes for Government, we still have not banned conversion therapy.
“Banning these practices would not just be symbolic; it would send a clear message that attempts to erase or change who someone is have no place in our society.
“More than 1.2 million people across Europe have signed a citizens’ initiative pushing for action. They are calling on the European Union to stand up for their fundamental rights, and I am joining them in calling on the Commission to take urgent action.
“I am also calling on Ireland to finally deliver this long-promised legislation, so that these harmful practices are put to an end once and for all. We cannot allow members of our LGBTIQ+ community to continue to suffer in silence.”
