Conversion therapy

Conversion therapy is banned in 25 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 founded 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 of prayer and other religious efforts and teachings. While some individuals may undergo this therapy voluntarily, 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

25
Banned
25 regions (13%)
Banned
3
Partially banned
3 regions (2%)
Partially banned
150
Not banned
150 regions (76%)
Not banned
20
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
20 regions (10%)
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
7%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
1 regions (7%)
Partially banned
3 regions (21%)
Not banned
9 regions (64%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (7%)
South America
67%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
8 regions (67%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
3 regions (25%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (8%)
North America
9%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
2 regions (9%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
16 regions (70%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
5 regions (22%)
Africa
0%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
regions (0%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
51 regions (94%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
3 regions (6%)
Asia
7%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
3 regions (7%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
35 regions (80%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
6 regions (14%)

Timeline of conversion therapy

Number of countries to ban conversion therapy over the past 16 years.

Recent & Upcoming Changes

Conversion therapy by Country

Banned

Conversion therapy is banned in 25 regions.

  1. Asia (3)
  2. Israel 2022
  3. Taiwan 2018
  4. Vietnam 2022
  5. Europe (11)
  6. Albania 2020
  7. Belgium 2023
  8. Cyprus 2023
  9. France 2022
  10. Germany 2020
  11. Greece 2022
  12. Iceland 2023
  13. Malta 2016
  14. Norway 2023
  15. Portugal 2024
  16. Spain 2022
  17. North America (2)
  18. Canada 2022
  19. Mexico 2024
  20. Oceania (1)
  21. New Zealand 2022
  22. South America (8)
  23. Argentina 2010
  24. Bolivia 2022
  25. Brazil 2018
  26. Chile 2021
  27. Ecuador 2012
  28. Paraguay 2022
  29. Peru 2021
  30. Uruguay 2017

Sexual orientation only

Conversion therapy is sexual orientation only in 3 regions.

  1. Oceania (3)
  2. Fiji 2010
  3. Nauru 2016
  4. Samoa 2007

Not banned

Conversion therapy is not banned in 150 regions.

  1. South America (3)
  2. Colombia
  3. Guyana
  4. Venezuela

Varied, unclear, or unknown laws

Data on conversion therapy is unclear, not applicable, or missing in 20 regions.

  1. Asia (6)
  2. Bhutan
  3. India Varies by Region
  4. Nepal
  5. North Korea
  6. Philippines Varies by Region
  7. Timor-Leste Ambiguous
  8. Europe (3)
  9. Moldova
  10. Serbia
  11. Switzerland Varies by Region
  12. North America (5)
  13. Antigua and Barbuda
  14. Cuba
  15. Honduras
  16. Nicaragua
  17. United States Varies by Region
  18. Oceania (1)
  19. Australia Varies by Region
  20. South America (1)
  21. Suriname
  22. Antarctica (1)
  23. Antarctica N/A

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