Article content

For the first time, an Alberta city will debate a ban on conversion therapy Monday, deliberately picking up a hot potato after the United Conservative Party government tried to drop it.

St. Albert city council is looking at imposing a $10,000 fine for anyone advertising therapy to minors that would try to change their sexual orientation or identity. It could also refuse a business licence or development permit to practitioners.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Stepping into the breach: St. Albert debates ban on conversion therapy after province declines Back to video

The intent appears to have wide support on council, but some wonder if a city has the proper tools.

“We just want it to stop,” said St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron on Sunday. “The debate in St. Albert tomorrow will not be about whether or not you support banning these practices; the debate will be about how to best achieve the elimination of conversion therapy.”

The therapy can cause lasting psychological harm and is opposed by the Canadian Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and Amnesty International.