Conversion therapy

Conversion therapy is banned in 26 countries.

DATE

Conversion therapy

"Conversion therapy" or "reparative therapy" is a pseudoscientific practice of attempting to "convert" or "repair" an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The concept is found on the assumption that sexual orientation can be changed and that anything other than homosexual and cisgender is "abnormal."

Conversion therapy is often conducted by religious groups with the use prayer and other religious efforts and teachings. While some individuals may to undergo this therapy volunteer, many children are forced into it by their parents. Many medical and psychologist groups have officially condemned this type of harmful "therapy." Some studies have shown that the process can sometimes lead to depression, self-harm, and even suicide.

The practice of attempting to "cure" homosexuality dates back at least to 1888 when a German psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing used hypnotic suggestion therapy to turn a gay man straight. In the past few decades, countries, provinces, and states have begun outlawing conversion therapy.

Summary

26
Banned
26 regions (13%)
Banned
3
Partially banned
3 regions (2%)
Partially banned
156
Not banned
156 regions (79%)
Not banned
12
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
12 regions (6%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
Europe
22%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
11 regions (22%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
36 regions (72%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
3 regions (6%)
Oceania
14%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
2 regions (14%)
Partially banned
2 regions (14%)
Not banned
9 regions (64%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (7%)
South America
58%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
7 regions (58%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
5 regions (42%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
regions (0%)
North America
9%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
2 regions (9%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
18 regions (78%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
3 regions (13%)
Africa
0%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
regions (0%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
52 regions (98%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (2%)
Asia
9%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
4 regions (9%)
Partially banned
1 regions (2%)
Not banned
36 regions (82%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
3 regions (7%)

Timeline of conversion therapy

Number of countries to ban conversion therapy over the past 61 years.

Recent & Upcoming Changes

Conversion therapy by Country

Banned

Conversion therapy is banned in 26 regions.

  1. Asia (4)
  2. Israel 2022
  3. Singapore
  4. Taiwan 2018
  5. Vietnam 2022
  6. Europe (11)
  7. Albania 2020
  8. Belgium 2023
  9. Cyprus 2023
  10. France 2022
  11. Germany 2020
  12. Greece 2022
  13. Iceland 2023
  14. Malta 2016
  15. Norway 2023
  16. Portugal 2024
  17. Spain 2022
  18. North America (2)
  19. Canada 2022
  20. Mexico 2024
  21. Oceania (2)
  22. New Zealand 2022
  23. Samoa 2007
  24. South America (7)
  25. Argentina 2010
  26. Brazil 2018
  27. Chile 2021
  28. Ecuador 2014
  29. Paraguay 2022
  30. Peru 2024
  31. Uruguay 2017

Sexual orientation only

Conversion therapy is sexual orientation only in 3 regions.

  1. Asia (1)
  2. Turkmenistan 2012
  3. Oceania (2)
  4. Fiji 2010
  5. Nauru 2016

Not banned

Conversion therapy is not banned in 156 regions.

  1. South America (5)
  2. Bolivia
  3. Colombia 2015
  4. Guyana
  5. Suriname
  6. Venezuela 2018

Varied, unclear, or unknown laws

Data on conversion therapy is unclear, not applicable, or missing in 12 regions.

  1. Asia (3)
  2. India Varies by Region
  3. North Korea
  4. Philippines Varies by Region
  5. Europe (3)
  6. Georgia Ambiguous
  7. Italy Ambiguous
  8. Switzerland Varies by Region
  9. North America (3)
  10. Antigua and Barbuda
  11. Jamaica Ambiguous
  12. United States Varies by Region
  13. Africa (1)
  14. Mauritania
  15. Oceania (1)
  16. Australia Varies by Region
  17. Antarctica (1)
  18. Antarctica N/A

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