Parties present private member’s law to ban ‘homogeneization’ | Inland

In so-called conversion therapy, an attempt is made to ‘cure’ young people of their sexual orientation by means of, for example, prayer sessions or at youth camps. The proposal is also supported by PvdA, GroenLinks, SP and the Party for the Animals. The parties have a majority in both Houses.

A majority of the House of Representatives already pushed for a ban in 2019, but the previous government did not want it. The then cabinet first wanted more research to be carried out.

“Homosexuality is not wrong and certainly not something that you should heal from,” says D66 MP Jeanet van der Laan. “Medieval practices such as conversion therapy do not belong in the Netherlands. Persons and organizations that offer, promote or perform these activities are punishable by this law.”

VVD member Hatte van der Woude finds it “indigestible that there are young people in the Netherlands who, while they are already struggling with their sexuality, are so mistreated and traumatized under the guise of ‘homogenization’.” The law must put an end to “these barbaric practices”, says the MP.

The private member’s bill is now in internet consultation, which means that people can give their opinion on it. It then goes to the Council of State for advice. Then the House of Representatives and the Senate will consider it.

Interest group COC is happy with the proposal. “Being yourself is not a disease, don’t let anyone ever tell you that you need to be ‘cured’ from it. LGBTI healing is a myth, it destroys people. You are good the way you are,” said chairman Astrid Oosenbrug.

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