Effects Of ‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban Rejected By Kiwis: Poll
A nationwide poll has found that there is widespread opposition to the legal effects of a ‘conversion therapy’ ban. In the poll of 1,000 New Zealanders surveyed just before Christmas by Curia Market Research, respondents were asked “If a person is unsure about their sexual orientation or gender identity, should they be able to seek counseling support to determine their own direction in how they identify?” 81% of respondents said they believed a person should be able to seek counseling support to determine their own direction. Only 12% were opposed. According to a legal opinion released yesterday, if a person wanted to align their sexuality with the teachings and values of their particular faith – be it Muslim or Christian, Jewish or Sikh – and sought help to do so from a minister, imam, or another faith leader, a ban would make it virtually impossible to access the support they wanted. Furthermore, if they were able to find someone prepared to provide counseling of that kind, they coul