Conversion therapies remain a concern despite being illegal, Fondation Émergence training tour stops in Laval
Although conversion therapies have been banned in Quebec since 2020 and explicitly criminalized in the Canadian Criminal Code since 2022, these practices continue to exist today, often in more subtle and less visible forms. In response, Fondation Émergence announced in April 2025 the launch of a province-wide training tour titled “Conversion therapies are a crime, not help!”, reaching all administrative regions of Quebec, including Laval in January.
Training aimed at professionals and the general public
On January 12 and 13, the tour stopped in Laval with the goal of raising awareness among the general public, while placing a particular emphasis on professionals working in health care, social services, law enforcement and the judicial system. The objective is to strengthen their ability to identify conversion practices, prevent them, and intervene appropriately with people who have been affected.
“Even though conversion therapies are officially banned and recognized as criminal, many victims and members of the public are still unaware of their legal status,” explained Laurent Breault, Executive Director of Fondation Émergence. “These practices seek to deny the identity of LGBTQ+ people by attempting to change their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. They cause deep and lasting harm, often invisible but very real. There is an urgent need to act.”
Practices that are still widespread
Data from the SAVIE LGBTQ project, the largest participatory research initiative conducted by and for LGBTQ+ communities in Quebec, indicate that nearly one in four LGBTQ+ individuals reports having experienced conversion efforts. A United Nations report further notes that close to half of these practices occur in medical or psychological settings, while nearly 19 percent take place in religious or spiritual contexts.
The documented consequences on mental health are significant and include anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress, substance dependence and suicidal ideation.
Mobilizing society to prevent and respond
Through this training tour, Fondation Émergence aims to mobilize society as a whole, and particularly frontline workers, to better prevent conversion practices, support survivors, and strengthen the fight against homophobia and transphobia across Quebec.
The initiative is supported by the Gouvernement du Québec through the Secrétariat à la condition féminine. In addition to in-person sessions, the organization also offers an online training module and educational tools that will be distributed province-wide.
About Fondation Émergence
For over 25 years, Fondation Émergence has worked to promote the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people through awareness campaigns, training and support initiatives. The organization is notably behind the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia and organizes the Gala Émergence. Through its actions, Fondation Émergence continues its mission to inform and raise awareness about the realities faced by LGBTQ+ communities.
