Iceland unanimously votes to ban ‘conversion therapy’
In a massive win for LGBTQ+ rights, Iceland has become the latest country to ban ‘conversion therapy’. The Icelandic parliament unanimously approved a comprehensive ban with 53 votes and three abstentions, prohibiting the harmful practice on the basis on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Iceland joins countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, France, Malta and Cyprus, among others.
The passing of the law now means that anyone making an adult undergo ‘conversion therapy’ faces up to three years in prison and anyone doing the same to a child will face five years.
Those who administer ‘conversion therapy’ could face up to two years in prison. ‘Conversion therapy’ is typically defined as any attempt at changing or suppressing a person’s sexuality or gender identity, often involving techniques such as electroshock therapy or prayer.
