Why gay people were forced to have straight sex
Church ‘therapy’ attacked in poll
GAY people have been forced to have heterosexual sex as part of conversion therapy requested by religious leaders, a Church of England campaign group claims.
Its survey on gay conversion therapy found 22 people ‘had been forced to undergo sexual activity with someone of the opposite gender’.
Half of those who had undergone attempts to change their sexual orientation at the request of religious leaders had suffered mental health problems including suicidal thoughts, the poll found. The publication of the survey, compiled by CofE lesbian activist Jayne Ozanne, a former member of the Archbishops’ Council, was timed to coincide with the opening of a meeting of the Church’s parliament, the General Synod.
The meeting threatens to be overshadowed by a series of rows over gender and sexuality.
Last night a barrage of hostile questions were raised in response to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, and fellow bishops deciding in December to allow ‘transgender services’ that celebrate changes of gender.
Critics say the services, similar to those that allow baptism under a new name, undermine CofE doctrine and could leave priests who refuse to conduct them at risk of reprisal.
Gay campaigners within the Church have long protested about attempts, led by conservative evangelicals, to convert homosexual people to heterosexuality. In recent months they have won backing in the Synod for moves to outlaw any such ‘therapies’.
Around 4,600 people responded to Miss Ozanne’s survey about historical conversion therapies. Of these, 458 said there had been attempts to change their sexuality. Some 193 said they had had suicidal thoughts and 91 said they had attempted suicide.
Of the findings, Miss Ozanne said: ‘The high level of reports of attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts amongst those who have attempted to change their sexual orientation is not something that can be easily dismissed. These are serious safeguarding issues which require urgent action.’
‘Half suffered suicidal thoughts’