Surrey Conversion Therapy Prohibition for Providers
In Surrey, British Columbia, providers must understand how federal and local authorities address conversion therapy. This guide explains the legal scope, enforcement roles, and practical steps for health, faith-based and commercial providers operating in Surrey, British Columbia.
Overview
Conversion therapy refers to practices intended to change a persons sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. In Canada, the primary legal restrictions are set at the federal level and may be supplemented by provincial human-rights rules and municipal policy. Local providers should assess clinical, licensing and contractual obligations as well as criminal exposure.
Legal scope and who it applies to
- Applies to providers offering paid or unpaid services described as conversion therapy, including counselling, workshops, religious counselling and targeted advertising.
- May also affect third parties who advertise, facilitate or profit from conversion therapy.
- Provincial human-rights and health-professional standards can apply in addition to federal criminal prohibitions.
Penalties & Enforcement
Municipal bylaws in Surrey specifically addressing conversion therapy are not identified on Surrey municipal pages; the main enforceable prohibitions for harmful conversion-practice conduct are set out federally in the Criminal Code and through provincial human-rights and regulatory systems. The federal Criminal Code is the primary statutory source for criminal offences related to conversion therapy.[1]
- Fine amounts and sentence limits for conversion-therapy offences are set in federal criminal provisions and in applicable provincial regulatory rules; municipal monetary fines for conversion-therapy conduct are not specified on the cited pages.
- Escalation: information about first, repeat or continuing municipal offences in Surrey relating to conversion therapy is not specified on the cited pages; criminal prosecution escalation is governed by federal sentencing rules.
- Non-monetary sanctions can include criminal charges, court orders, professional discipline by regulatory colleges, and human-rights orders; specifics depend on the prosecuting authority and adjudicator.
- Enforcers: criminal allegations are investigated by local police and prosecuted by the Crown; in Surrey, the Surrey Police Service is the local policing agency and accepts reports related to criminal conduct.[2]
- Inspection and complaint pathways: criminal complaints are reported to police; professional complaints go to the relevant provincial college; human-rights complaints go to the provincial tribunal or commission.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the decision-maker (criminal courts, professional discipline tribunals, human-rights tribunal); time limits for filing appeals or complaints are set by the relevant statute or tribunal rules and are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
Applications & Forms
No municipal permit or application for conversion-therapy activities is published on Surrey municipal pages; criminal enforcement and professional-discipline processes do not use a municipal "form" for prosecution. For professional-college complaints, consult the relevant colleges official complaint form and rules (not published here).
Practical compliance steps for providers
- Stop any programs or advertising that describe efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Review client records and consent language; remove or amend marketing, intake forms and consent documents to reflect lawful, evidence-based care.
- Notify professional colleges or insurers if you are subject to a complaint or investigation.
- If you receive a legal notice or charge, preserve records, seek legal counsel and follow Crown or tribunal directions for disclosure and response.
FAQ
- Is conversion therapy illegal in Surrey?
- Conversion therapy practices that amount to criminal offences are prohibited under federal law; Surrey-specific municipal bylaw prohibitions are not identified on Surrey municipal pages.
- Who should I contact to report an alleged conversion-therapy offence?
- For criminal allegations contact local police; for professional or regulatory concerns contact the relevant provincial regulatory college or the provincial human-rights body.
- Are there municipal permits for counselling or religious services that allow conversion therapy?
- No municipal permit authorizing conversion therapy is identified on Surrey municipal pages; permits do not override federal or provincial prohibitions.
How-To
- Stop offering or advertising any practice described as conversion therapy immediately.
- Audit client files and publicity materials to remove prohibited representations.
- Contact your professional regulatory body or legal counsel for guidance on complaints or investigations.
- If you receive a complaint or charge, respond within deadlines and preserve all records and communications.
Key Takeaways
- Primary prohibitions on conversion therapy in Canada are federal; municipal bylaws in Surrey specific to conversion therapy are not identified on municipal pages.
- Providers should cease prohibited practices, update materials, and consult their regulatory college and legal counsel.
Help and Support / Resources
- Surrey Police Service - contact and non-emergency reporting
- Government of Canada - Criminal Code (consolidated)
- BC Human Rights Tribunal
- City of Surrey - official site and bylaw information