British
Therapists Report Attempts to Turn Gay Patients Straight

New findings in the journal BMC Psychiatry reveal that one sixth of British therapists have used methods intended to alter the sexual inclinations of their gay patients. Seventeen percent of therapists and psychiatrists surveyed said they had used subtle strategies to help their patients control, and eventually change, their sexual orientation.

The survey's lead author cautioned against the use of such tactics in an interview with Reuters.

"There is very little evidence to show that attempting to treat a person's homosexual feelings is effective and in fact it can actually be harmful," said Michael King of University College London.

King and his colleagues surveyed more than 1,400 therapists, who identified their personal convictions and patient anxiety among the reasons for trying to change sexual orientation.