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Resolution against LGBTQ conversion therapy passes

The resolution also states that DO participation in conversion therapy is considered unethical.

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A resolution passed at the AOA House of Delegates condemns conversion therapy or reparative therapy for those who identify as LGBTQ.

The resolution aims to ensure the physical and psychological welfare of this community. Taking into consideration the strong evidence that sexual orientation change efforts negatively affect a person’s mental and physical well-being, the AOA affirms that individuals who don’t identify as heterosexual are not suffering from a disease or illness. In addition, the resolution also states that DO participation in conversion therapy is considered unethical.

The AOA also supports potential legislation, regulations or policies that oppose the practice of sexual orientation change efforts.

The Human Rights Campaign covered the resolution’s passing and shares more information about conversion therapy, including state laws passed that ban the therapy being practiced on youth, in this article.

4 comments

  1. Steve-O

    I would like to know what exact evidence is there for the “danger” of reparative therapy for gay people. What I’ve read mostly is that the word, danger, is simply reiterated over and over again in the literature. In the history of psychological therapy, when has it ever been deemed that talk therapy has been “dangerous” or outlawed? Lacking evidence, sure. Ineffective, maybe, but “dangerous?”

    Is not the significantly higher rates of STI’s and cancer in the MSM population “dangerous?” How could this not related to behavior?

    1. Maggie

      Traditional talk therapy/counseling is not considered a form sexual orientation change effort (SOCE) provided that the therapy does not seek to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

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