EPA welcomes Council of Europe vote to prohibit Conversion “Therapies”
The EPA welcomes the recent vote by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) calling on European countries to adopt legislation prohibiting conversion practices. Adopted by a clear majority during the Assembly’s plenary session in Strasbourg, the resolution represents an important step forward in protecting the health and human rights of LGBTIQ persons across Europe.
The PACE affirmed this as a matter of public health as well as human rights and personal autonomy, protected under the the European Convention on Human Rights. The resolution calls on member states to introduce legislation providing criminal sanctions based on a clear and comprehensive definition of proscribed practices, and to establish effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Conversion practices, sometimes referred to as conversion or reparative “therapies,” are interventions that seek to “change, repress or suppress or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” based on the incorrect assumption that such characteristics are pathological or undesirable. The PACE has made clear that these practices have no scientific basis and can result in serious harm.
The EPA supports this position and advocated for the recognition of sexual orientations and gender identities in mental healthcare in the EPA Statement on Conversion “Therapies” and LGBTQ Patients, released in 2022. These practices contribute to stigma and discrimination and expose individuals to significant risks of harm, including depression, anxiety, substance misuse, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, as well as internalised shame and self-stigma. The EPA has condemned conversion “therapies” as unethical and incompatible with professional standards of mental health care.
The EPA has unequivocally condemned conversion “therapies” as unethical and incompatible with professional standards of psychiatric care. It is unacceptable for psychiatrists, psychologists or any other health professionals to participate in such practices. Rather than supporting individuals, these interventions undermine personal autonomy and violate fundamental human rights. The EPA respects individuals’ sexual orientations and gender identities and respects the identities of those with diverse gender expressions.
The PACE resolution also highlights the need for victim support and protection measures, improved training and public awareness, strengthened cooperation professional association and civil society. Legislative prohibition must be accompanied by education, professional guidance and support structures to ensure that individuals affected by conversion practices receive appropriate, evidence-based and affirming care. The EPA remains committed to promoting evidence-based, ethical psychiatric practice and to supporting policies that protect people and promote their wellbeing.
Read the EPA Statement on Conversion “Therapies” and LGBTQ Patients and the Council of Europe Press Release.
Photo: Council of Europe (Kate Osborne, MP)
