The federal government recently tabled a new bill that would ban the practice of conversion therapy across the country.

Conversion therapy is the practice of trying to change an individual's sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual through the use of psychological or spiritual interventions.

Taylor Carlson is the Executive Director of Moose Jaw Pride,

"Conversion therapy is often presented in a way to a young person or an adult that frames gender and sexual diversity as a thing to be ashamed of and a thing to hide from your family, friends, and your colleagues. It leads to increased suicide attempt rates and increased homelessness problems in the country. 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ2 people."

Carlson gave his reaction to the newly tabled bill.

"I hope that it is strong and that it includes language that provides guidance to RCMP and local police and justice systems to enforce the legislative change to the criminal code, I think that's very important. I'm very happy for young people, young adults, and adults in communities where conversion therapy is still being practiced that they won't be subjected to that going forward."

Carlson added that he has personally known someone who has experienced conversion therapy and that the person didn't overcome the negative effects until much later in life.