Geographic distribution of conversion therapy prevalence in Canada

Conversion therapy practices (CTPs) are discredited efforts that target lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit, or other (LGBTQ2S+) people and seek to change, deny, or discourage their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of CTPs across Canadian provinces and territories and identify whether CTP bans are associated with decreasing prevalence. We analyzed 119 CTPs reported from 31 adults (18+) in Canada who have direct experience with CTPs, know people who have gone to CTPs, or know of conversion therapy practitioners by using a 2020 anonymous online survey. Mapping analysis was conducted using ArcGIS Online. CTP prevalence was compared between provinces/territories with and without bans using chi-square tests. We found 3 provinces and 11 municipalities had CTP bans. The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories with a ban is 2.34 per 1,000,000 population (95% CI 1.65, 3.31). The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without a ban is 4.13 per 1,000,000 population (95% CI 3.32, 5.14). Accounting for the underlying population, provinces/territories with the highest prevalence of CTPs are New Brunswick (6.69), Nova Scotia (6.50), and Saskatchewan (6.37). Findings suggest only 55% of Canadians are protected under CTP bans. The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without a ban is 1.76 times greater than in provinces/territories with a ban. CTPs are occurring in most provinces/territories, with higher prevalence in the west and the Atlantic. Findings will help inform policymakers and legislators as they are increasingly acknowledging CTPs as a threat to the health and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ people.