UNDERSTANDING THE FACTS
Should Gay Conversion Therapy Be Banned? The Truth Revealed!
- Atilla Tiriyaki
- Average Reading Time: 11 minutes
- Community, Special Groups, Support Groups, Youth
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Gay conversion therapy is a practice that is seen as harmless by some and as dangerous and ill-conceived by others. The underlying belief of the therapy is that a person’s sexuality or gender identity is a choice and can be changed. How accurate is this belief, and is there evidence to back up the effectiveness of the therapy?
CONTENT WARNING
This article discusses topics and areas that may cause upset and distress and might include descriptions of discrimination, hate crimes, violence, and references relating to torture and murder. The article is intended for people aged 18 and over, and should the content trigger or upset you, you should refrain from reading those areas that will be labelled with a trigger warning and seek support if needed.
DISCLAIMER
All published articles are intended for an audience aged 18 years and over and have been written by members of the general public. Many will likely not be journalists nor be affiliated with any professional bodies associated with members of the media. The articles will likely be based on the authors' own opinions, views, and experiences...more
The existential question that we need to ask and hopefully answer in this article is whether a person’s sexuality or gender identity is something that can be changed. Practitioners of gay conversion therapy believe it is possible, with guidance, for a person to choose to be heterosexual or cisgender. For all the success stories these practitioners promote, there are equally as many harrowing accounts of what vulnerable people must undergo, with long-lasting effects and impact on their physical and mental health. Let us explore more about the practice and the many drivers underpinning its appeal to some who participate in the therapy.
Gay conversion therapy is a collective term for the pseudoscientific practice of attempting to cure a person of their sexuality or gender identity. The practitioner, religious group, organisation or institution will typically take an individual after puberty from ages 13 to 21 that are questioning or aware of their sexual orientation or identity. The therapy does not follow a set format, structure or approach; however, there are some common themes, which include:
Many of the gay conversion therapies that take place around the world are typically carried out under the guise and setting of faith, with religions or affiliated groups performing many of the treatments. With gay conversion therapy in the media and often being debated, many of these religious groups even came out stating that to ban or any restrictions on gay conversion therapy would be an infringement of their religious beliefs, freedoms and traditional religious teachings. A smaller proportion of the therapies are typically carried out by healthcare workers operating outside of their sphere of training, whether at the request of the families or backed by the state, which is currently three countries (Iran, Malaysia and Uganda).
The practitioners of gay conversion therapy have claimed success in many cases, being able to cure a person of their sexuality or gender identity, promoting individuals and their testimonials to that effect. At the same time, there are many more harrowing stories from people who were forced to undergo the treatments in their youth and the impact it has had on their lives and mental health.
Though many believe it is a harmless practice designed to help people with their illness, the tactics and approach will vary depending on the practitioner. With this in mind, what have the psychiatric associations or medical bodies gone on record to say about Gay Conversion Therapy?
Many of the world’s leading psychiatric and medical bodies have come out publicly banning the practice, stating that it is both harmful and ineffective. Some further state that any healthcare professional accredited to these professional bodies will be penalised or their licences revoked should they participate in these therapies.
- Talk therapy, one-to-one or group counselling sessions in which the “patient” is subjected to treatment designed to correct behaviours and their identity
- Forced to ingest purifying substances, hallucinogenic drugs, hormone and steroid treatments
- Blessings, prayers of healing and exorcisms
- *trigger warning* Physical assault and corrective rape
- Harassment and fear, issuing threats of isolation, exile from the community, family and abandonment, which may also result in homelessness
- Aversion therapy in which the patient is shown shocking and graphic images or other types of pain inflected, including electric shock
- *trigger warning* In extreme situations, patients have been forced to undergo gender-affirming surgeries and to take hormones to neutralise and reaffirm their sexuality or identity defined by the practitioner.
Many of the gay conversion therapies that take place around the world are typically carried out under the guise and setting of faith, with religions or affiliated groups performing many of the treatments. With gay conversion therapy in the media and often being debated, many of these religious groups even came out stating that to ban or any restrictions on gay conversion therapy would be an infringement of their religious beliefs, freedoms and traditional religious teachings. A smaller proportion of the therapies are typically carried out by healthcare workers operating outside of their sphere of training, whether at the request of the families or backed by the state, which is currently three countries (Iran, Malaysia and Uganda).
The practitioners of gay conversion therapy have claimed success in many cases, being able to cure a person of their sexuality or gender identity, promoting individuals and their testimonials to that effect. At the same time, there are many more harrowing stories from people who were forced to undergo the treatments in their youth and the impact it has had on their lives and mental health.
Though many believe it is a harmless practice designed to help people with their illness, the tactics and approach will vary depending on the practitioner. With this in mind, what have the psychiatric associations or medical bodies gone on record to say about Gay Conversion Therapy?
Many of the world’s leading psychiatric and medical bodies have come out publicly banning the practice, stating that it is both harmful and ineffective. Some further state that any healthcare professional accredited to these professional bodies will be penalised or their licences revoked should they participate in these therapies.
Over the past 100 years, medical research and our understanding of the body and mind’s inner workings have significantly improved. Once-held beliefs have been proven inaccurate and the supporting evidence incorrect. Leading medical professionals such as Dr Kinsey, who was an American biologist, professor of entomology and zoology, and sexologist and Dr Magnus Hirschfeld, who was a Jewish German physician and sexologist, were pioneers and made it their life’s work to understand sexuality and specifically transsexuality. The understanding of LGBTQIA+-related identities has advanced research, providing medical professionals with the knowledge that treatments of the past were doomed to fail.
*trigger warning* During the second world war, illegal research was carried out by the Nazis on gay and lesbian individuals, applying a variety of torture techniques and psychological warfare, treatments such as lobotomies, severing connections in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, chemical castrations and aversion therapies. Even under all of these extreme conditions, torture did not yield the results the torturers were expecting, and years later, they are used to support medical evidence, research and understanding.
So, what is the medical position….
The professionals within psychiatry and other medical disciplines typically use two classification systems in diagnosing conditions of mental illness. The first is chapter five of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) produced by the World Health Organization (WHO). The second is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as DSM, created and updated by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
Homosexuality or Ego-dystonic sexual orientation was first introduced in ICD-9 in 1977. It was grouped under the deviation (302) category and listed with other conditions, which included bestiality, narcissism, necrophilia and paedophilia. Within the DSM, Homosexuality was listed in DSM-I in 1952 as a sociopathic personality disturbance, which was later changed in DSM-II in 1974 as a category of “sexual orientation disturbance”. Transsexualism was later added to ICD-10, and gender identity disorder was introduced in DSM-III in 1980.
Based on new scientific studies at that time and a greater understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality within ICD-10 in 1990, and the APA removed homosexuality from the DSM in 1973. Diagnosis associated with transgender persons was removed from the ICD in 2019 and reclassified as gender dysphoria in DSM–5 in 2013.
The addition and subsequent removal of sexual orientations and gender identities are based on definitive scientific research and understanding. Upon removing homosexuality and transgenderism from the classifications, it was stated that being gay or transgender is not a medical disorder or illness; however, it surmised, like with cis-gendered and heterosexuals, that an LGBTQIA+ individual may suffer from other mental illnesses or disorders, but being LGBTQIA+ alone is not a medical illness. For example, a man might have bipolar disorder, but his sexuality, being gay or straight, is not the cause of him having bipolar disorder; instead, it is something that is believed to be hereditary and a psychiatric disorder. For gender identities, being fluid or not entirely identifying with your gender at birth in itself is not a mental illness; however, gender and body dysphoria are associated conditions. Ultimately, it means your sexuality or gender identity on its own is not a mental illness or condition.
*trigger warning* During the second world war, illegal research was carried out by the Nazis on gay and lesbian individuals, applying a variety of torture techniques and psychological warfare, treatments such as lobotomies, severing connections in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, chemical castrations and aversion therapies. Even under all of these extreme conditions, torture did not yield the results the torturers were expecting, and years later, they are used to support medical evidence, research and understanding.
So, what is the medical position….
The professionals within psychiatry and other medical disciplines typically use two classification systems in diagnosing conditions of mental illness. The first is chapter five of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) produced by the World Health Organization (WHO). The second is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as DSM, created and updated by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
Homosexuality or Ego-dystonic sexual orientation was first introduced in ICD-9 in 1977. It was grouped under the deviation (302) category and listed with other conditions, which included bestiality, narcissism, necrophilia and paedophilia. Within the DSM, Homosexuality was listed in DSM-I in 1952 as a sociopathic personality disturbance, which was later changed in DSM-II in 1974 as a category of “sexual orientation disturbance”. Transsexualism was later added to ICD-10, and gender identity disorder was introduced in DSM-III in 1980.
Based on new scientific studies at that time and a greater understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality within ICD-10 in 1990, and the APA removed homosexuality from the DSM in 1973. Diagnosis associated with transgender persons was removed from the ICD in 2019 and reclassified as gender dysphoria in DSM–5 in 2013.
The addition and subsequent removal of sexual orientations and gender identities are based on definitive scientific research and understanding. Upon removing homosexuality and transgenderism from the classifications, it was stated that being gay or transgender is not a medical disorder or illness; however, it surmised, like with cis-gendered and heterosexuals, that an LGBTQIA+ individual may suffer from other mental illnesses or disorders, but being LGBTQIA+ alone is not a medical illness. For example, a man might have bipolar disorder, but his sexuality, being gay or straight, is not the cause of him having bipolar disorder; instead, it is something that is believed to be hereditary and a psychiatric disorder. For gender identities, being fluid or not entirely identifying with your gender at birth in itself is not a mental illness; however, gender and body dysphoria are associated conditions. Ultimately, it means your sexuality or gender identity on its own is not a mental illness or condition.
For many, it can be challenging to comprehend how families, especially parents, are allowing their loved ones to undergo such treatment. A parent wants the best for their child to grow up happy and healthy and one day start a family. If their child comes out as gay or transgender and they lack knowledge or understanding of what that means, fear often will set in. Even though some religious groups have softened their stance on the LGBTQIA+ community, there is still a belief amongst the religious faithful that it is a sin and those committing it will be punished. So, a parent fearing for their child might turn to their faith in salvation. Many will likely trust in their religious leaders and members of the congregation. They may not always know what goes on within the therapy. Though for many, we can empathise, that is still no excuse.
Religious groups will often cite scriptures to support their stance and position; however, many well-respected students of theological studies have debunked many of these interpretations as untrue. One such man is the Reverend Peter J Gomes, an American preacher-theologian advocating for LGBT acceptance in society and religion. Reverend Peter was an ordained First Baptist Church minister and professor of Christian Morals at Harvard University and spent his life dedicated to addressing the root of homophobia in faith and the religious position relating to the gay community, ultimately a contributor to the introduction of same-sex marriage legislation in the USA. He once stated, “Gay people are victims not of the Bible, not of religion, and not of the church, but of people who use religion as a way to devalue and deform those whom they can neither ignore nor convert”.
A person’s beliefs are personal, and religion and devotion to one’s faith are all admirable and often good attributes in a person; however, judging, forcing or imposing their beliefs on others, especially in a harmful way, goes against the underlying principle as stated in Matthew 7: “Judge not, that you will not be judged.”
For the child or adolescent, what message are they hearing loud and clear? Though this is something you are powerless to change, only suppress or hide, they need to change or potentially lose the only life that they have known. Most young people, especially those not seen as legally independent, will be powerless. Many will often subject themselves to treatment in the hope that they continue receiving the love and support of their families. Even when some come of legal age, the fear of rejection will cause many to continue suppressing and hiding who they are in the hope of remaining part of their community. *trigger warning* Sadly, many will likely suffer from depression, face homelessness or consider taking their own lives.
At its core, many work off the belief and principle that a child is an extension of themselves in all that they do. It is true that parents share DNA, features and attributes; however, when they come of age, their actions are theirs alone. Should loving who they love or being who they want to be considered a sin? It is their sin; it is theirs to bear, and as a parent, all they can do is be supportive and part of their lives, even when challenging.
Religious groups will often cite scriptures to support their stance and position; however, many well-respected students of theological studies have debunked many of these interpretations as untrue. One such man is the Reverend Peter J Gomes, an American preacher-theologian advocating for LGBT acceptance in society and religion. Reverend Peter was an ordained First Baptist Church minister and professor of Christian Morals at Harvard University and spent his life dedicated to addressing the root of homophobia in faith and the religious position relating to the gay community, ultimately a contributor to the introduction of same-sex marriage legislation in the USA. He once stated, “Gay people are victims not of the Bible, not of religion, and not of the church, but of people who use religion as a way to devalue and deform those whom they can neither ignore nor convert”.
A person’s beliefs are personal, and religion and devotion to one’s faith are all admirable and often good attributes in a person; however, judging, forcing or imposing their beliefs on others, especially in a harmful way, goes against the underlying principle as stated in Matthew 7: “Judge not, that you will not be judged.”
For the child or adolescent, what message are they hearing loud and clear? Though this is something you are powerless to change, only suppress or hide, they need to change or potentially lose the only life that they have known. Most young people, especially those not seen as legally independent, will be powerless. Many will often subject themselves to treatment in the hope that they continue receiving the love and support of their families. Even when some come of legal age, the fear of rejection will cause many to continue suppressing and hiding who they are in the hope of remaining part of their community. *trigger warning* Sadly, many will likely suffer from depression, face homelessness or consider taking their own lives.
At its core, many work off the belief and principle that a child is an extension of themselves in all that they do. It is true that parents share DNA, features and attributes; however, when they come of age, their actions are theirs alone. Should loving who they love or being who they want to be considered a sin? It is their sin; it is theirs to bear, and as a parent, all they can do is be supportive and part of their lives, even when challenging.
Everyone should have the right to live their lives as they wish, not to be persecuted or restricted because of their faith, race, sexuality or gender identity. Gay Conversion Therapy is a harmful practice that directly goes against the World’s Health Organisations and the American Psychiatric Association’s advice in that by identifying as LGBTQIA+, a person does not have a mental illness or is making a conscious choice, and it is evident that anyone performing this so-called therapy is doing more harm than good. The simple answer is Yes, it should be banned.
Any country not banning gay conversion therapy, especially when its psychiatric association and medical bodies have declassified many of the LGBTQIA+ identities as not being mental disorders that require treatment, is directly going against the medical advice and undermining the integrity of the bodies they should be empowering. For countries that state other existing laws protect children, and those vulnerable know full well that is not the case.
Laws, especially ones that are generic and open to interpretation, are not as effective as those that explicitly spell out what is and is not permitted under the law. Some countries, such as Germany, have banned gay conversion therapy for anyone under the age of 18, which goes a long way to protect those most vulnerable. Working on the principle that someone of legal age can make a choice and, if they decide to do so, they could remove themselves from harmful situations.
Without an outright ban, the other challenge relates to prosecutions. The families and those being forced, directly or indirectly, into undergoing the treatment are not likely going to report practitioners of gay conversion therapy to the authorities, and even if they did, it would be difficult to prosecute as many of the existing laws are open to interpretation. For example, would it be considered child endangerment if the family do not see the treatment as harmful and retrospective prosecutions, meaning years after the treatment took place, are also challenging to pursue due to the availability of evidence and all those people involved?
We must respect a person’s right to choose and practice their faith, but not at the cost of the vulnerable or people different from themselves. With improved understanding and better visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community, there is no reason to hold firm to outdated and unfounded beliefs. Any government, especially those that claim to respect human rights, protect those most vulnerable in society and respect its own medical bodies, if they have not done so already, should consider introducing outright bans relating to Gay Conversion Therapy.
In 2025, with so much intolerance, conflict and instability, rather than subrogating, fearing and suppressing a person’s ability to live as their true authentic selves, we should all aim to reach out, connect and realise that there we all have more in common than what sets us apart. Love is love, and faith is belief in something bigger than yourself.
Any country not banning gay conversion therapy, especially when its psychiatric association and medical bodies have declassified many of the LGBTQIA+ identities as not being mental disorders that require treatment, is directly going against the medical advice and undermining the integrity of the bodies they should be empowering. For countries that state other existing laws protect children, and those vulnerable know full well that is not the case.
Laws, especially ones that are generic and open to interpretation, are not as effective as those that explicitly spell out what is and is not permitted under the law. Some countries, such as Germany, have banned gay conversion therapy for anyone under the age of 18, which goes a long way to protect those most vulnerable. Working on the principle that someone of legal age can make a choice and, if they decide to do so, they could remove themselves from harmful situations.
Without an outright ban, the other challenge relates to prosecutions. The families and those being forced, directly or indirectly, into undergoing the treatment are not likely going to report practitioners of gay conversion therapy to the authorities, and even if they did, it would be difficult to prosecute as many of the existing laws are open to interpretation. For example, would it be considered child endangerment if the family do not see the treatment as harmful and retrospective prosecutions, meaning years after the treatment took place, are also challenging to pursue due to the availability of evidence and all those people involved?
We must respect a person’s right to choose and practice their faith, but not at the cost of the vulnerable or people different from themselves. With improved understanding and better visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community, there is no reason to hold firm to outdated and unfounded beliefs. Any government, especially those that claim to respect human rights, protect those most vulnerable in society and respect its own medical bodies, if they have not done so already, should consider introducing outright bans relating to Gay Conversion Therapy.
In 2025, with so much intolerance, conflict and instability, rather than subrogating, fearing and suppressing a person’s ability to live as their true authentic selves, we should all aim to reach out, connect and realise that there we all have more in common than what sets us apart. Love is love, and faith is belief in something bigger than yourself.
Learn more about the countries that have nationwide bans in place concerning gay conversion therapy. Including those countries where the practice is even state-approved
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