Conversion therapy

Conversion therapy is banned in 31 countries and territories.

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  • Banned
  • Not banned
  • Unknown, N/A, or ambiguous

Recent Changes

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

31
Banned
31 regions (13%)
Banned
135
Not banned
135 regions (58%)
Not banned
66
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
66 regions (28%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
Europe
15%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
8 regions (15%)
Not banned
35 regions (67%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
9 regions (17%)
Oceania
25%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
6 regions (25%)
Not banned
9 regions (38%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
9 regions (38%)
South America
50%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
7 regions (50%)
Not banned
7 regions (50%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
regions (0%)
North America
11%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
4 regions (11%)
Not banned
12 regions (33%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
20 regions (56%)
Africa
3%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
2 regions (3%)
Not banned
36 regions (61%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
21 regions (36%)
Asia
9%
LEGAL EQUALITY
Banned
4 regions (9%)
Not banned
36 regions (78%)
No data, no laws, N/A, or ambiguous
6 regions (13%)

Progress over time

Number of countries with equality for conversion therapy over the past 60 years.

Recent changes

Conversion therapy by country

(and dependent territories)

Banned

Conversion therapy is banned in 31 regions.

  1. Asia (4)
  2. India 2021
  3. Israel 2020
  4. Taiwan 2018
  5. Vietnam 2022
  6. Europe (8)
  7. Albania 2020
  8. France 2022
  9. Germany 2020
  10. Greece 2022
  11. Isle of Man 2021
  12. Malta 2016
  13. Spain 2022
  14. Switzerland 2016
  15. North America (4)
  16. Canada 2022
  17. Guadeloupe 2022
  18. Martinique 2022
  19. Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2022
  20. Africa (2)
  21. Mauritius 2017
  22. Réunion 2022
  23. South America (7)
  24. Argentina
  25. Brazil 2018
  26. Chile 2021
  27. Ecuador 2014
  28. French Guiana 2022
  29. Paraguay 2022
  30. Uruguay 2017

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