The ban on conversion therapy for homosexuals may become law in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is approaching a historic step to make conversion therapy for homosexuals a punishable offense. Members of parliament are expected to vote next week on a bill that could lead to a permanent ban on this controversial practice.
For years, the GroenLinks/PvdA, VVD, D66, and SP parties, along with the animal rights-supporting PvdD party, have called for a ban. However, the lack of support from one of the other parties has prevented them from achieving the necessary majority in the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer), which consists of 150 seats.
The political situation now seems to be undergoing a shift. The Dutch broadcasting agency NOS reported that the NSC parties, the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the BBB party, which previously opposed the plan, have become more positive towards it after amendments were made to the bill.
Conversion therapy typically targets homosexuals or transgender individuals, subjecting them to methods aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices are particularly prevalent in some Orthodox Christian circles, where homosexuality is mistakenly viewed as a disease.
The new amendment states that the crime will be limited to ongoing and systematic long-term attempts to change a person's orientation or identity, while a casual conversation with a social worker, for example, will not be considered within the scope of the ban. With this clarification, obtaining a parliamentary majority has become likely, which enhances hopes that the Netherlands will soon join the list of countries that prohibit this harmful practice.