Conversion therapy

Conversion therapy is banned in 24 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

24
Banned
24 regions (12%)
Banned
1
Partially banned
1 regions (1%)
Partially banned
161
Not banned
161 regions (81%)
Not banned
12
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
12 regions (6%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
Europe
20%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
10 regions (20%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
38 regions (76%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
2 regions (4%)
Oceania
21%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
3 regions (21%)
Partially banned
1 regions (7%)
Not banned
9 regions (64%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
1 regions (7%)
South America
50%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
6 regions (50%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
5 regions (42%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
1 regions (8%)
North America
4%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
1 regions (4%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
18 regions (78%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
4 regions (17%)
Africa
0%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
regions (0%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
54 regions (100%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
regions (0%)
Asia
9%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
4 regions (9%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
37 regions (84%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
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 24 regions.

  1. Asia (4)
  2. Israel 2022
  3. Singapore
  4. Taiwan 2018
  5. Vietnam 2022
  6. Europe (10)
  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 (1)
  18. Canada 2022
  19. Oceania (3)
  20. Nauru 2016
  21. New Zealand 2022
  22. Samoa 2007
  23. South America (6)
  24. Argentina 2010
  25. Brazil 2018
  26. Chile 2021
  27. Ecuador 2014
  28. Paraguay 2022
  29. Uruguay 2017

Sexual orientation only

Conversion therapy is sexual orientation only in 1 regions.

  1. Oceania (1)
  2. Fiji 2010

Not banned

Conversion therapy is not banned in 161 regions.

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

No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous

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

  1. Oceania (1)
  2. Australia
  3. South America (1)
  4. Peru
  5. Antarctica (1)
  6. Antarctica

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