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Conversion Therapy

The latest news about so-called reparative, conversion, and ex-gay therapy and the quest to outlaw it. Condemned by the American Psychiatric Association, ex-gay therapy is based on the belief that a person can be "cured" of their sexual attraction and that conversion from homosexuality to heterosexuality is possible. Proponents of the controversial treatment include the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality as well as Christian fundamentalist organizations. Various means of implementing this therapy include prayer groups, electroshock therapy, and training in gender behavior.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
News

Utah Governor Signs Conversion Therapy Ban Into Law

The legislative ban on conversion therapy for minors strengthens a ban enacted by a licensing board.

A group of people supporting one person who appears upset.
News

Conversion Therapy Ban Fails in a Missouri County Held by Democrats

Democrats hold seven of nine seats on the legislative body but couldn’t pass a ban on the harmful practice.

Rep. Adam Neylon
Politics

Republican Lawmakers Vote (Again) to Allow Conversion Therapy

While opponents say the issue is about protecting LGBTQ+ youth, Wisconsin Republicans claim they are fighting a bureaucratic turf war.

Mike Petersen speaking at microphone
News

Utah Lawmakers, Activists Reach Compromise on Conversion Therapy Ban

Activists voiced concerns that the proposed bill was too watered-down.

Conversion therapy protest
World

U.K. Will Introduce Ban on Conversion Therapy

The new legislation will include treatment directed at trans people, reversing last year's announcement that this would be excluded.

Conversion Therapy ban blocked in Wisconsin
Law

Republicans Block Ban on Conversion Therapy in Wisconsin

It's the second time Republicans prevented the ban from taking effect.

Ireland to ban conversion therapy
World

Ireland Seeks to Ban Conversion Therapy

Irish Equality Minister Roderic O'Gorman is committed to having the practice banned by 2024.

Man depressed looking at his phone
News

Man Says BetterHelp Referred Him to Conversion Therapy Supporter

He says he was told that going straight was the best way to reconnect with his conservative Christian family.

Teen and therapist
Law

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Washington's Conversion Therapy Ban

A therapist had claimed the ban infringed on his free speech and religious liberty rights. But Washington State's regulation of the practice is appropriate, the court ruled.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf
News

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Anti-Conversion Therapy Order

While the order doesn't ban it, it does put a dent in the harmful practice.

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They/Them exclusive first look image
Arts & Entertainment

How 'They/Them' Is Changing Horror for Queer People

While referencing horror classics like Pyscho and Friday the 13th, They/Them takes a novel queer approach to horror.

Therapist and client
News

N.J. Supreme Court Affirms That Conversion Therapy Is Fraud

The N.J. high court declined to hear an appeal of a lower court's ruling against conversion therapy provider JONAH. 

LGBTQ+ rights demonstrations in Israel and New Zealand
World

New Zealand, Israel Take Steps Against Conversion Therapy

New Zealand passes a law banning use of the practice on minors and certain others, while Israel issues rules barring medical professionals from offering it.

Two men going in for a kiss
People

Founder of Ex-LGBTQ+ Group Admits to Having Gay Sex Again

Advocates say his group, Freedom March, is "a fraudulent organization that preys on vulnerable and desperate LGBTQ people."

Pride march in France with a sign against conversion therapy
World

France Outlaws Discredited Practice of LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy

Those found offering the harmful practice could be jailed for two years and fined almost $34,000.

Rainbow Flag with Canadian Flag in the middle
News

Canada Bans the Harmful Practice of LGBTQ+ 'Conversion Therapy'

The law will take effect in 30 days and will make promoting or practicing conversion therapy a criminal offense. 

a profile photo of beautiful blonde actress chloe grace moretz
Arts & Entertainment

Chloë Grace Moretz on Coming Out, Blurred Lines, and Finding Unity

The star of Mother/Android, Greta, and Tom & Jerry is now executive producer of an LGBTQ+ Snapchat series.

Protesters in 1970s
film

'Cured' Doc Examines Path to Declassifying Homosexuality as Disorder

Before the removal of homosexuality from the manual, those in the psychiatric establishment believed that homosexuality could be "cured" by electroconvulsive therapy, castration, or even lobotomies.