‘Conversion therapy’ an abhorrent practice

IT’S been more than two years since the UK Government published its LGBT+ action plan, which committed to end the practice of so-called “gay conversion”, or “reparative” therapies — a range of discredited practices which seek to change a person’s sexual orientation, or suppress their gender identity.

Locally, the Department of Health has simply said there are currently no plans to ban the practice in Northern Ireland, with a spokesperson blaming the Covid-19 pandemic for the lack of action.

The therapy is based on the false and unscientific belief that those of us who do not adhere to culturally prescribed norms are ill and that our sexual orientation or gender identity can — and should — be changed.

This is not only inherently degrading and grossly offensive, but can have a hugely damaging impact on the mental health and well-being of those subjected to it.

There has been medical and scientific consensus on conversion therapy for decades. The practice has been condemned as “unethical and potentially harmful” by every major counselling and psychotherapy body in the UK.

Meanwhile, the UN’S independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity labelled it a “form of torture”.

The practice poses a huge risk to young and vulnerable LGBT+ people. A 2018 study by the Ozanne Foundation found that nearly 70% of conversion therapy survivors have had suicidal thoughts, 40% self-harmed, and nearly 25% have suffered from eating disorders.

In the context of all of this it is unthinkable that “conversion therapy” is still being inflicted on LGBT+ people in the UK today.

We do not need “cured”, nor do we need more promises, platitudes or prevarications from the Government; we need primary legislation to protect us from this abhorrent practice.

Cllr EOIN TENNYSON (ALLIANCE PARTY) Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council