More than 400 faith leaders from 35 countries have encouraged bans on LGBTQ+ conversion therapy by signing an open letter calling for the controversial practice to be criminalised. GLAAD defines conversion therapy as any practice which attempts to alter someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity; it has been widely discredited by medical bodies and known to cause trauma in those who are subjected to it. According to Gay Star News, signatories of the letter include Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who is a longstanding LGBTQ+ advocate, and the UK’s Bishop of Liverpool.
The joint statement reads: “We recognize with sadness that certain religious teachings have often, throughout the ages, caused and continue to cause deep pain and offense to those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex. We acknowledge, with profound regret, that some of our teachings have created, and continue to create, oppressive systems that fuel intolerance, perpetuate injustice and result in violence. This has led, and continues to lead, to the rejection and alienation of many by their families, their religious groups and cultural communities. We ask for forgiveness from those who live.”
It continues: “We call on all nations to put an end to criminalisation on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, for violence against LGBTQ+ people to be condemned and for justice to be done on their behalf. ‘We call for all attempts to change, suppress or erase a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression – commonly known as “conversion therapy” – to end, and for these harmful practices to be banned.”
A 2018 government survey found 2% of the UK’s LGBTQ+ community have undergone the practice, with another 5% having been offered it. Prime minister, Boris Johnson, previously referred to conversion therapy as ‘abhorrent’, saying it ‘has no place in civilised society’. However, since this remark, there has been little progression towards making the ban a reality.
