The transcript for this witness testimony is currently in production by our volunteers. It will be available soon here on this page and as a downloadable PDF.

Summary

John Carpay provides detailed testimony about Bill C-4, which criminalizes conversion therapy in Canada, explaining how the law’s broad definition violates multiple Charter rights. He explains that the law makes it illegal for adults to seek counseling to reduce unwanted same-sex attraction or to detransition, while allowing counseling only in the direction of embracing LGBTQ identities. The law criminalizes parents who encourage their gender-confused children to embrace their birth sex, with penalties including up to five years in prison. Carpay argues this represents the politicization of medicine and the forced imposition of transgender ideology on all Canadians. He notes that 92% of Canadians believe adults should be free to choose their own counseling goals regarding sexuality and gender identity. The law violates Charter sections 2(a) freedom of religion, 2(b) freedom of expression, section 7 parental rights, and section 15 equality rights. He emphasizes that religious leaders cannot counsel members of their faith to live according to their religious teachings regarding sexuality. Carpay concludes by calling for either repeal or amendment of these provisions and advocates for long-term cultural change to restore respect for fundamental freedoms.

Credentials

John Carpay is the President of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, a dedicated advocate for Charter rights and freedoms in Canada. With years of experience defending Charter rights, he has become a respected voice on issues of religious freedom, parental rights, and freedom of expression in Canada. His legal expertise has been sought by parliamentary committees and he has been instrumental in challenging government overreach through constitutional litigation.

In his testimony, Carpay provides detailed analysis of Bill C-4, which criminalizes conversion therapy in Canada, explaining how the law’s broad definition violates multiple Charter rights. He explains that the law makes it illegal for adults to seek counseling to reduce unwanted same-sex attraction or to detransition, while allowing counseling only in the direction of embracing LGBTQ identities. The law criminalizes parents who encourage their gender-confused children to embrace their birth sex, with penalties including up to five years in prison. He emphasizes that religious leaders cannot counsel members of their faith to live according to their religious teachings regarding sexuality, and notes that 92% of Canadians believe adults should be free to choose their own counseling goals. Carpay concludes by calling for either repeal or amendment of these provisions to restore fundamental freedoms.