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 founded on the assumption that sexual orientation can be changed and that anything other than heterosexual 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

26
Banned
26 regions (13%)
Banned
3
Partially banned
3 regions (2%)
Partially banned
159
Not banned
159 regions (80%)
Not banned
10
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
10 regions (5%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
Europe
24%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
12 regions (24%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
37 regions (74%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (2%)
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
20 regions (87%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (4%)
Africa
0%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
regions (0%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
53 regions (98%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (2%)
Asia
7%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
3 regions (7%)
Partially banned
regions (0%)
Not banned
37 regions (84%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
4 regions (9%)

Timeline of conversion therapy

Number of countries to ban conversion therapy over the past 17 years.

Recent Changes

Conversion therapy by Country

Banned

Conversion therapy is banned in 26 regions.

  1. Asia (3)
  2. Israel 2022
  3. Taiwan 2018
  4. Vietnam 2022
  5. Europe (12)
  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. Netherlands 2026
  15. Norway 2023
  16. Portugal 2019
  17. Spain 2023
  18. North America (2)
  19. Canada 2022
  20. Mexico 2024
  21. Oceania (1)
  22. New Zealand 2022
  23. South America (8)
  24. Argentina 2010
  25. Bolivia 2022
  26. Brazil 2018
  27. Chile 2021
  28. Ecuador 2012
  29. Paraguay 2022
  30. Peru 2021
  31. 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 159 regions.

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

Varied, unclear, or unknown laws

Data on conversion therapy is unclear, not applicable, or missing in 10 regions.

  1. Asia (4)
  2. India Varies by Region
  3. Philippines Varies by Region
  4. Timor-Leste Ambiguous
  5. Yemen Ambiguous
  6. Europe (1)
  7. Switzerland Varies by Region
  8. North America (1)
  9. United States Varies by Region
  10. Africa (1)
  11. Gambia
  12. Oceania (1)
  13. Australia Varies by Region
  14. South America (1)
  15. Venezuela Varies by Region
  16. Antarctica (1)
  17. Antarctica N/A

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