‘Conversion therapy’: A guide to its harmful history
The post ‘Conversion therapy’: A guide to its harmful history appeared first on GAY TIMES. Go to Source Author: Zoya Raza-Sheikh
Read MoreCategory: Ban Conversion Therapy
‘Conversion therapy’ victim underwent church “exorcism” to rid “the demons of homosexuality”
A gay man says he was the victim of a church persuading him to take part in an “exorcism” to rid “the demons of homosexuality”. Matthew Drapper explained that a day of prayer at the St Thomas Philadelphia church in Sheffield was used as a means to ‘convert’ him. ‘Conversion therapy’ is typically defined as any attempt at changing a person’s sexuality or gender identity, often involving techniques such as electroshock therapy or prayer. It has been widely condemned by health experts all over the world, with some comparing it…
Read More1 in 4 LGBTQ+ sexual assault survivors believe attacker was trying to ‘convert’ them
Sexual assault was used as a means of trying to change the identity of one in four LGBTQ+ respondents to a survey of survivors, Galop found. Content warning: This story may include topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable. The LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity’s study asked 935 members of the community who had survived sexual assault if they were subjected to it because they believe the perpetrator was attempting to change their sexuality or gender identity. Almost 24% said they had, with this figure increasing to 34% for asexual victims,…
Read MoreUK equality watchdog suggests delaying trans conversion therapy ban in “deeply shocking” report
Activists are questioning whether or not the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is “truly fit for purpose” after it suggested a “differentiated approach” to a trans conversion therapy ban. In a report published on 26 January in response to the UK government’s plans to legislate a conversion therapy ban, the human rights watchdog said the consultation does not “address the possible need to consider a differentiated approach in relation to sexual orientation and being transgender so as to ensure, in particular, that clinicians and therapists are not prohibited…
Read MoreFrance bans “barbaric” conversion therapy in historic legislation
France has unanimously passed a law making the practice of LGBTQ+ conversion therapy illegal in the country. Those found engaging in it will face up to two years in person and a fine of €30,000, with heftier punishments of €45,000 for cases involving under-18s or vulnerable adults. The National Assembly passed the bill by 142 votes to 0 on the evening of 25 January. President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his support of the move and stated that “being oneself is not a crime, because there is nothing to be cured.” Once…
Read MoreUK government delays conversion therapy ban “to hear all views”
The UK government has announced plans to extend its consultation on banning conversion therapy by eight weeks. According to a statement released by the government on 9 December, the move has been taken to ensure the legislation can be shaped appropriately and to take as wide a range of views as possible into consideration. “We are absolutely determined to stamp out conversion therapy, and want to hear all views on the best ways to do that,” said Minister for Women and Equalities Liz Truss. “The consultation on our proposals has…
Read MoreUK government officials secretly met with conversion therapy providers
UK government officials held a private meeting with a group that delivers conversion therapy to change people’s “LGBT lifestyles”. Core Issues Trust, a charity based in Northern Ireland, provides a service called “talking therapy” for those wishing to “explore moving away from unwanted same-sex attraction and gender confusion”. VICE World News reports that after “years” of trying to meet with the government, they finally succeeded in doing so. After being in contact with equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, who was previously heard misgendering transgender people and questioning gay marriage in leaked…
Read MoreNew Zealand government announces bill banning conversion therapy
In a win for LGBTQ+ rights, New Zealand has introduced a bill outlawing conversion therapy. Under the new legislation, people who perform the harmful practice on a person younger than 18 can face up to five years in prison. Conversion therapy refers to any attempt at changing a person’s sexuality or gender identity, and often involves techniques such as electroshock therapy or prayer. The government introduced the legislation on Friday (30 July). Justice Minister Kris Faafoi opened up about the importance of the bill in a statement to Reuters. “Conversion…
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