'Conversion therapy' is a term used for any ongoing attempts to change an LGBTQIA+ person's sexual orientation or gender identity to fit traditional norms. It suggests that being non-heterosexual or non-cisgender is a mental illness that can be cured. Research shows that 'conversion therapy' is ineffective and can harm LGBTI people, while also promoting societal prejudice.
Banning ‘conversion therapies’ is the first step to protect LGBTI people from this harmful practice.
Ban of conversion practices throughout Europe?
Only 10 countries in Europe have a conversion practices ban on sexual orientation in Europe: Belgium, Cyrpus, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Malta, Norway, Portugal & Spain.
39 countries do not have conversion practices ban for sexual orientation: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine & United Kingdom.
European Union
We are asking the European Commission to create a law that bans conversion practices aimed at LGBTQ+ people in the European Union.
The European Union must protect fundamental rights and fight against these inhumane practices. All member states should ban conversion practices or review their current laws.
Please sign the petition to help make this change happen.
"As Mr. Gay Europe, I stand firmly against conversion therapy because it is a violation of human dignity and a betrayal of the right to live authentically. Our identities are not flaws to be fixed but facets of our true selves to be celebrated. This practice inflicts severe mental health damage, driving people into isolation, depression, and self-hate. Forcing someone to deny who they are only leads to suffering. We must stand together to create a Europe where conversion therapy is fully banned"
Tim Küsters
Sources used: https://database.ilga.org/conversion-therapies-lgbti
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