SENATE BILL: LGBT Dignity Act (Law'd)

[HagridOfTheDeep]

Yeah. I mean, I'm definitely personally alligned with the goals of this bill, but everyone has the right to set up their own practice. No one should be forced to attend these so-called clinics, but I don't see how we can conscionably force their closure. It leads us down a slippery slope.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

"Reparative therapy clinics practice beliefs that are not based in science!" "Reparative therapy clinics are no longer allowed!"

"Freemasonry practices beliefs that are not based in science!" "Freemasonry is no longer allowed!"

I guess people are just choosing to ignore the fact that all Atlasian citizens are guaranteed the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. You might choose to argue that this bill deals with health issues and that freedom of assembly is irrelevant. Fine. I would then suggest that you look to alternative medicine in the United States. Alternative medicine has been slightly regulated, but it has not been banned outright, as it is not the government's prerogative to tell people what they should believe. If people choose to put their faith in alternative medicine, so be it. Moreover, these practices are often invasive (people ingest questionable medicines), yet, for the most part, they are allowed. Reparative therapy does not do physical harm to a person. Thus, if alternative medicine is acceptable, I don't see how we can say, in any official capacity, that reparative therapy is not.

That being said, I would actually be happy to regulate the reparative therapy "industry." However, banning it outright is an overreach that I will not support.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

The president asked me a question, and I guess I got a little carried away.

And in all fairness... the thread title does say "debating."

[HagridOfTheDeep]

In the interests of honesty, I will say that my initial response to Marokai's comment was far more rude and abrupt than the comment you currently see.

Like it or not, this topic is contentious. We have debates in the senate for a reason, and I won't be stopped from participating in these debates when I think a points needs making.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

I don't quite see how the amendment addresses our issues with the bill's infringement of certain guaranteed freedoms...

I appreciate the removal of "ministries" from the text, but I still can't support this bill. Not making a formal objection though.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

Aye

Still will not be supporting the bill, but if it really must pass, I'd rather it pass with Nix's amendment.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

Nay

I think these places are horrible. I also think it would be a big overreach to shut them down.