Therapy meant to change sexual orientation, gender identity banned in Yukon

A rainbow flag flies at Toronto City Hall in Toronto on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. (Eduardo Lima / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

WHITEHORSE — Yukon's government has passed a law banning the discredited practice of conversion therapy.

The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Protection Act would make it a crime to force children or adults to undergo therapy with the intent of altering their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The territorial government says in a statement the act also clarifies that conversation therapy is not an insured service.

Jeanie McLean, the minister responsible for the women's directorate, says all Yukoners benefit from a more inclusive society and banning the therapy is another step in ensuring the territory is free of discrimination.

Yukon is the fourth Canadian province or territory to pass such legislation and the House of Commons gave approval in principle two weeks ago to a bill that would outlaw the therapy.

The Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychiatric Society have broadly discredited conversion therapy, and the territory's statement says its aim is to support its commitment to inclusion for LGBTQ individuals.