St. Albert's municipal leadership banning gay conversion therapy

Conversion therapy is a practice that aims to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Across Alberta, municipal leaders are declaring their support for banning the practice of conversion therapy (such as with the City of St. Albert), and exploring motions looking into it further (Spruce Grove, Edmonton and Calgary). 

AUMA spoke to Mayor Cathy Heron to discuss St. Albert City Council’s July 2019 decision to ban gay conversion therapy within their city. Mayor Heron spoke to the importance of the ban to the council, as well as to other municipalities.

AUMA: What is St. Albert City Council trying to achieve by making this motion? 

Mayor Heron: We believe it is within our municipal purview to restrict the types of businesses though our Business Licensing bylaw and the Land Use bylaw – although to achieve the elimination of conversion therapy, we need to work with both the provincial and federal levels of government. Much of the gay conversion therapy work occurs underground, which makes it difficult to stop. We need everyone involved.

AUMA: St. Albert City Council voted unanimously in support of this motion, indicating strong support. Why do all of you feel that this issue is so important? 

Mayor Heron: I was a bit choked up when the vote came back unanimously. This was a courageous act by my council and sent a clear message to the youth in our community, and hopefully beyond, that everyone is welcome here in St. Albert, no matter who you love. 

I think it was just another act along with others (such as the raising of the Pride flag at city hall, the rainbow crosswalk, and the hugely-successful Pride barbecue we host annually), that shows we care. The rainbow flag and crosswalk are symbols, but this motion was true action.

AUMA: What do you want to share with our members, your municipal colleagues?

Mayor Heron: I realize that to truly eliminate the practice of gay conversion therapy in Canada, it needs to be criminalized. While some aspects of conversion therapy are illegal, many aren’t yet. I’m pleased that the federal government is working on this.  

It is my hope that other municipalities will follow suit and pass similar motions. St. Albert is just one municipal voice in a huge sea. Imagine if hundreds of other Albertan municipalities and beyond stood up and proudly linked arms with other levels of government to stop this harmful practice.

AUMA’s Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Initiative
The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities (WIC) initiative is a partnership between the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Government of Alberta to support municipalities to implement policies and practices to help overcome issues of racism and discrimination. The goal of the WIC initiative is to create communities where all residents and visitors enjoy a sense of belonging and where diversity adds to the social and economic vibrancy of the community, and improves the quality of life for all residents. 

Diversity refers to attributes that are used to differentiate groups and people from one another. Being inclusive means being respectful for and appreciative of differences in ethnicity, skin colour, race, religious beliefs, gender, age, place of origin, income, occupation, social class, immigration status, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, language, education, and physical or mental ability. Diversity is a source and driver of cultural vibrancy and innovation.

AUMA’s WIC Initiative offers online toolkits, guides and resources to support municipal inclusion efforts in strategic planning, performance measurement, and engagement with diverse communities. 

In addition, the WIC Initiative hosts webinars, workshops, and conferences to support the learning needs of municipalities. Depending on financial capacity, the WIC Initiative may also offer customized training in local communities. 

Lastly, AUMA can offer one-on-one guidance for municipal staff and elected officials that are seeking assistance to become a more welcoming and inclusive community.

For resources and guidance to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ persons in your community, visit AUMA’s Welcoming and Inclusive Communities initiative, or wic [at] auma.ca (contact us).