Kate Forbes has said she thinks she has progressive views and wants to build a tolerant society after facing backlash for her religious beliefs.
During a Sky News leadership debate last week, Ms Forbes was asked six times if she would end the practice even fro those who consent to it - and did not give a straight answer.
"I understand that there are people who will see that there is no non-coercive approach to conversion therapy and I'm not here to try to argue with that," she said. "But it is a very sensitive issue and I do think it is important that rather than give you a sort of quick 'gotcha' answer on a matter of such importance that we do reflect on the consultation responses and we ensure the legislation bans such an abhorrent process."
She said other people of faith have held high office in the UK and she vowed to ensure Scotland is a"tolerant and pluralistic nation".
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