The Member of Parliament from Essex has explained why he voted against a bill banning a practice deemed harmful by the LGBTQ+ community.
Chris Lewis, a Conservative, was among many in his caucus who voted against Bill C-6, which would restrict conversion therapy by making it unlawful to force someone to undergo it, taking someone out of Canada for the purpose of participating in it, or promoting, benefiting or advertising in favour of it.
In an open letter released Thursday, Lewis said he voted against Bill C-6 at third reading not because he favoured conversion therapy, but because the bill had what he called "grave flaws".
"The definition of conversion therapy contained in the bill lacked clarity and was too broad. I was in a unique position to try to make it better," wrote Lewis. "I spent hours listening to witness testimony and trying to make amendments to this poorly written legislation, to make it about banning the practice of conversion therapy free of ambiguities and uncertain outcomes. All those efforts were dismissed by the Liberals and NDP. What could have been one of the finer moments of this Parliament, became another occasion to divide Canadians."
Lewis added that he voted "yes" on Bill C-6 at second reading before it was sent to committee.
The practice is defined as using techniques to try to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual. Most experts have spoken out against the therapy, saying there is no real evidence that a person's sexual orientation can be changed. Conversion therapy has also been dismissed by some as extremely harmful.
Lewis said he voted "no" at third reading because changes made to the bill in committee did not include a safeguard of voluntary conversations by doctors, loved ones, clergy, and others without facing jail time.
The bill passed by a vote of 263-63 with the NDP and Bloc Quebecois joining the Liberals and some Tories, including Opposition Leader Erin O'Toole, in support. Lewis and other Conservatives then faced stinging criticism on social media and from LGBTQ+ groups for voting against the bill.
Lewis reiterated that he opposes any form of the practice, and showed resentment that his "no" vote may have been misinterpreted for political gain.
"The ban on conversion therapy has my full and unqualified support. This wrong has long needed to be made right," wrote Lewis. "What I voted against was the lack of clarity and the too-broad definition. I have and always will stand for the rights of all Canadians."
Bill C-6 is now going through the Canadian Senate, and should it pass there, will be given royal assent.
