Statement on Conversion Therapy

Publication date: Available online 19 February 2020Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal MedicineAuthor(s): Djordje Alempijevic, Rusudan Beriashvili, Jonathan Beynon, Bettina Birmanns, Marie Brasholt, Juliet Cohen, Maximo Duque, Pierre Duterte, Adriaan van Es, Ravindra Fernando, Sebnem Korur Fincanci, Sana Hamzeh, Steen Holger Hansen, Lilla Hardi, Michele Heisler, Vincent Iacopino, Peter Mygind Leth, James Lin, Said Louahlia, Hege LuytkisAbstractConversion therapy is a set of practices that aim to change or alter an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It is practiced in every region of the world by health professionals, religious practitioners, and community or family members often by or with the support of the state. Conversion therapy is performed despite evidence that it is ineffective and likely to cause individuals significant or severe physical and mental pain and suffering with long-term harmful effects. The purpose of this medico-legal statement is to provide legal experts, adjudicators, health care professionals, and policy makers, among others, with an understanding of: 1) the lack of medical and scientific validity of conversion therapy; 2) the likely physical and psychological consequences of undergoing conversion therapy; and 3) whether, based on these effects, conversion therapy constitutes cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or torture when individuals are subjected to it forcibly or without their consent. This medico-legal statement also a...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research