Statement of the Independent Forensic Expert Group on Conversion Therapy

Area of Science:

• Medical Law
• Human Rights Law
• Psychology

Background:

• Conversion therapy encompasses practices aiming to alter sexual orientation or gender identity, often termed sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE).
• This practice is globally prevalent, occurring in over 60 countries through diverse methods including talk therapy, medication, aversive treatments, and exorcism.
• It is performed by various individuals, from health professionals to spiritual leaders, in both state-controlled and private settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform legal experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals about the lack of scientific validity of conversion therapy.
• To outline the severe physical and psychological consequences associated with conversion therapy.
• To assess whether conversion therapy constitutes cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or torture.

Main Methods:

• Review of global practices and terminology associated with conversion therapy.
• Analysis of the purported methods used in conversion therapy, including psychotherapy, medication, aversive techniques, and spiritual interventions.
• Examination of the medico-legal implications and ethical considerations surrounding conversion therapy.

Main Results:

• Conversion therapy lacks any medical or scientific validity.
• Practices range from psychotherapy and medication to extreme physical and psychological abuse, including electroshock, exorcism, and forced nudity.
• The practice is imposed on individuals of all ages, including minors, and is often driven by societal prejudice against non-heterosexual orientations.

Conclusions:

• Conversion therapy is a harmful practice with no scientific basis, leading to severe psychological and physical distress.
• States have a responsibility to regulate and prohibit conversion therapy, recognizing it as a violation of human rights.
• Healthcare professionals must refuse to participate in or endorse conversion therapy, upholding ethical standards and protecting vulnerable individuals.