On Wednesday, the American Psychological Association finally "declared that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments." Why? Because it's abusive, unethical, and doesn't work. Mentally-estranged, right-wing fringe groups have often claimed that conversion therapy (e.g., shock treatments, reading The Bible or other forms of literature, praying, exorcisms, beatings, sorcery) works in magically changing homosexuals into righteousness heterosexuals. Which is insane since homosexuality is, arguably, a biological imperative.
The American Psychological Association (rightfully) claimed that "[n]o solid evidence exists that such change is likely." The declaration was voted on 125-to-4.
The association also suggested the obvious, saying that "some research suggested that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies." Which begs the question: should parents, guardians or teachers who strongly urge religion-based conversion therapy to a queer child or teen be eligible for child endangerment charges? Absolutely. (Freedom of religion does not include the freedom to abuse.)
The goes on to report that "instead of seeking such change, the association urged therapists to consider multiple options, which could include celibacy and switching churches, for helping clients live spiritually rewarding lives in instances where their sexual orientation and religious faith conflict."
