Statement from MP Zimmer Regarding His Vote on the Second Reading of Bill C-6

OTTAWA – Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, issued the following statement regarding his decision to vote against Bill C-6 in its current form:

“Make no mistake, I am opposed to the practice of conversion therapy.

“However, I am concerned that the current wording of Bill C-6 leaves open the possibility that voluntary conversations between individuals and their parents, family members, pastors, teachers, or their counsellors may be criminalized.

“Freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of association are fundamental in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms and I believe the current language of this legislation is an encroachment on those foundational principles.

“I will be watching to see if this language is changed when the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights reviews the legislation before it comes back to the House of Commons for a third and final vote.”

-30-

For more information: Bob.Zimmer@parl.gc.ca