ALERT: First Notice of a Bill to prohibit conversion therapy for children

FIRST NOTICE OF A BILL TO PROHIBIT CONVERSION THERAPY FOR CHILDREN

A DA Member of Parliament (MP) has published her intention to introduce a Bill amending the current Children’s Act, so as to prohibit “conversion therapy” in children (which is not defined in the notice, other than saying it is a “pseudo-science approach to ‘curing’ children of homosexuality”).

The published intention is open for public comment until 4 August 2021. Comments can be e-mailed to speaker@parliament.gov.za

However, it is important to note that this is merely a notice of the MP’s intention to introduce a Private Member’s Bill. It is not yet the Bill itself. The only comments one can make at this stage, therefore, is whether there is a need for the Bill or not.

Without having sight of the text of the Bill, FOR SA is not in a position to advise whether it will infringe on any religious freedom rights – and will therefore also not be submitting any comments on the published intention at this stage.

We will, however, keep you alerted regarding any developments in the matter.

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Kind regards,

Daniela Ellerbeck
FOR SA Legal Advisor