Subj : GERMANY OUTLAWS CONVERSION THERAPY ON YOUTH
To : All
From : Major Queen
Date : Fri May 08 2020 04:59 pm
MAY 8, 2020 SOURCE EXPRESS
Germany has officially outlawed the dangerous practice known as 'conversion
therapy' for people under the age of 18.
The Nation's parliament known as the Bundestag put the legislation into law
banning the practice on Thursday the 7th of May and introduced new penalties
for those who attempt to change the sexual orientation of minors.
Along with the practice being entirely outlawed on minors, so-called
conversion therapy is now also illegal for those of legal age, if a person is
subjected to it involuntarily, through coercion, threats or deception. Any
advertising for the debunked and traumatising practice has also been banned.
Reported by Badische, Germany's health minister Jens Spahn explained during
the debate that "Homosexuality is not a disease. Therefore the term therapy
is misleading."
The law change in Germany follows multiple studies across the world that have
all concluded that attempts to change sexual orientation or gender identity
have a severe impact the mental health of LGBT+ people, increasing anxiety,
depression and suicidal thoughts.
Notably, a UK survey conducted last year found that 20% of people who had
been subjected to conversion therapy practises later attempted suicide.
Currently, in New Zealand, conversion therapy is not illegal, however,
Speaking to express in February 2020, Jacinda Ardern reiterated her support
for a ban on Gay Conversion Therapy and said the matter will be dealt with
via a private member bill.
