Leading UK psychological professions and Stonewall unite against gay conversion therapy
A consensus statement which says gay conversion therapy is unethical and potentially harmful is launched today.
The statement was prepared by the leading psychological professional bodies in the UK, at the request of the Department of Health, and is endorsed by the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall.
Gay conversion therapy (sometimes referred to as ‘gay cure’ or ‘reparative’ therapy) is the umbrella term for a type of talking therapy or activity which attempts to change sexual orientation or reduce attraction to others of the same sex. There is no good evidence this works and it is widely believed that it has the potential to cause harm.
The statement offers accessible information for those who may feel under pressure to seek ‘treatment’ for their sexuality, and signposts people to places where they can access safe and non-judgemental therapeutic support.
David Pink, Chief Executive of UKCP, says:
“There have been high profile cases featured in the media and the public are worried about gay conversion therapy. The public needs to know where responsible professionals stand on this.
“Using psychotherapy to change or convert gay people is an abuse.
“This guidance is designed to help those who feel pressure to seek a ‘cure’ for their sexuality.”
James Taylor, Head of Policy at Stonewall:
“We’re deeply concerned about voodoo ‘gay-cure’ therapies and their promotion and it is vital we stamp out this damaging practice.
“In 21st century Britain lesbian, gay and bisexual people should be able to access therapy and counselling services without fear of discrimination or judgement.”
Notes:
• The public information is available online here: http://www.ukcp.org.uk/reparativetherapy
• At the request of the Department of Health this public information was prepared by the UK Council for Psychotherapy with the support and assistance of the British Psychoanalytic Council, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the British Psychological Society, The National Counselling Society, Pink Therapy and Stonewall.
• Norman Lamb MP, Minister of State for Care and Support, has expressed his personal view that gay conversion therapy is “utterly abhorrent” and said “it has no place in modern society”. Mr Lamb was speaking in Parliament in November 2013. http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2013-11-20b.385.0s=gay+conversion+therapy#g390.3
• In the same debate, Norman Lamb MP, Minister of State for Care and Support, also said “the UK Council for Psychotherapy has agreed to draft, in consultation with the other relevant professional bodies, a public statement on conversion therapy that provides information and outlines the views held by those organisations. That is incredibly important. Once produced, that statement will be widely publicised and placed on relevant websites to ensure that individuals seeking a counsellor or therapist will be aware of those bodies’ views on gay conversion therapy.”
