November 2013

The beginning of the Family Watch International policy brief entitled “Laws Banning Sexual Orientation Change Therapy are Harmful and Violate Fundamental Human Rights” follows: “’Sexual Orientation Change Efforts’ (SOCE),a term used to describe therapeutic approaches to help people with unwanted same-sex attraction (SSA), has become increasingly controversial in recent years. This is because activists opposing SOCE therapy (also referred to as ‘change therapy’) falsely claim it is ineffective and harmful. Such claims are not based on any scientific data, and instead, run counter to widely available evidence.”

“As this brief will show by summarizing pertinent research, there is no ethical or scientific basis for limiting or banning therapy that has helped countless people with unwanted same-sex attraction. The research also shows that SOCE therapy carries no greater risk than other widely accepted therapeutic interventions.”

“So why has SOCE therapy come under such virulent and aggressive attacks by homosexual rights activists?”

“It is because such therapy poses a serious threat to the very foundation of the homosexual movement, which is founded in the false idea they promote that homosexuals are ‘born that way’ and can’t change and that homosexuality is an innate and immutable characteristic like race or gender. In order for homosexual rights activists to maintain their position, they must suppress or discredit any evidence showing that change therapy is effective.”

“If even just one person is able to change their sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual, it shatters the myth that homosexuals are ‘born gay’ and can’t change. This is a major reason why homosexual activists immediately attack and attempt to ostracize those who claim they have changed and why they seek to discredit therapists who offer SOCE therapy.”

“Opinion polls show that people who believe the ‘born that way’ (and can’t change) fallacy are more likely to support the goals of the homosexual agenda, including legalizing, same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption. Therefore, a major strategy of the homosexual “rights” movement in achieving their political agenda is to try to convince the world that it is impossible for homosexuals to change their sexual orientation.”

“In the past, the attacks on SOCE therapy have been largely focused on trying to get mental health-related associations to brand it as unethical. In recent years, there also has been an increasing effort to convince governmental officials and policymakers around the world that allowing people who struggle with same-sex attraction to receive SOCE somehow violates their ‘human rights.’”

“Ironically, denying those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction the opportunity to receive therapy if they choose to do so violates their internationally recognized rights to health, self-determination and liberty. In the case of adolescents struggling with SSA, a ban on change therapy also violates the fundamental rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their children and to determine what is best for them. …”