Practices known as “conversion therapy” inflict severe pain and suffering on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and
gender-diverse (LGBT) persons, often resulting in long-lasting psychological and physical damage, a UN expert told the
Human Rights Council while calling for a global ban.
During the past several months, Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and
discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, collected data on “conversion therapy” practices and
testimonies of victims to inform his latest report to the Human Rights Council. From some 130 submissions from States, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, medical practitioners,
and individuals who had been subjected to such practices, he heard conversion is attempted through beatings, rape,
electrocution, forced medication, isolation and confinement, forced nudity, verbal offense and humiliation and other
acts of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
“These interventions exclusively target LGBT persons with the specific aim of interfering in their personal integrity
and autonomy because their sexual orientation or gender identity do not fall under what is perceived by certain persons
as a desirable norm,” Madrigal-Borloz said. “They are inherently degrading and discriminatory and rooted in the belief
that LGBT persons are somehow inferior, and that they must at any cost modify their orientation or identity to remedy
that supposed inferiority.”
The expert said dismantling such biases and prejudices requires concerted States, the medical community and civil
society, including faith-based organisations, to ensure a worldwide ban on the practices.
Madrigal-Borloz said “conversion therapy” practices have been consistently debunked by the scientific community and have
been repeatedly linked to long-term harm to the physical and mental health of LGBT persons.
“Such practices constitute an egregious violation of rights to bodily autonomy, health, and free expression of one’s
sexual orientation and gender identity. Ultimately, when conducted forcibly, they also represent a breach to the
prohibition of torture and ill-treatment,” the Independent Expert said.