Plans for a new law on ‘conversion therapy’ stall in Republic of Ireland

The complexities of banning ‘conversion therapy’ have forced the Irish Government to push back its legislative plans.

Roderic O’Gorman TD, the Minister responsible for the Bill, admitted the process was fraught with legal difficulties and indicated a new law was unlikely in this Government’s lifetime.

Last year, a Government-commissioned official study found little or no evidence of so-called conversion therapy in Ireland.

Delayed

In January 2023, O’Gorman said: “Obviously, legislation takes time but I think it’s possible we could have it passed by the end of the year. That’s certainly what I’d be working towards, but it could drift into 2024.”

However, speaking earlier this month, the Equalities Minister said aspects of the Bill were “extremely complex” and that he could not give “absolute certainty” as to when it would become law.

He explained: “I wanted to make sure it covered quasi-religious practices and quasi-therapeutic practices, and to ensure those very necessary conversations that take place when someone is exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation wouldn’t be impacted.

“Balancing those elements is proving tricky in terms of getting those clear legal definitions. We want legislation that is effective and robust and safe from legal challenge.”

Inconclusive

Academics behind the official report into ‘conversion therapy’ said they “were unsuccessful in finding any research literature that was published in Ireland” on the issue.

The study included a survey which revealed that of 278 valid responses only 24 claimed to have been subject to any form of ‘conversion practice’ in the last 30 years.

Seven were interviewed for the study and of these, five acknowledged that they chose to seek the help, and two said they were “exposed” to the practices overseas.

The authors admitted that the survey sample was not statistically representative of the LGBT community and was too small for any meaningful conclusions to be drawn.

Not a priority

Last November, a poll carried out for The Christian Institute showed that Irish voters want the Government to focus on healthcare and housing not a new law on ‘conversion therapy’.

Pollsters Whitestone Insight asked 1,002 voters to select their top policy priorities for the following twelve months out of a list of 17. ‘Healthcare capacity’ (65%), ‘Social housing’ (60%), and ‘Energy security’ (30%) were the top three issues, while ‘banning conversion practices’ was a priority for just 6% of voters.

Last week in the UK, Labour announced it would bring forward a draft Bill to ban ‘conversion practices’ in England and Wales. A draft Bill requires public consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny.