Greece bans ‘conversion therapy’ for LGBTQ minors
According to the new law, explicit consent will need to be given in order for people to practice.
Words: Alastair James; pictures:
Greece has banned ‘conversion therapy’ for LGBTQ minors.
Under a law approved by the country’s parliament on Wednesday (11 May) those practicing the abhorrent practices will need to gain someone’s explicit consent first.
This is problematic for a number of reasons, not least of which that many people will still feel pressure from their family or society, in general, to ‘fix’ themselves.
“They are not supported scientifically”
As reported by Reuters, the country’s Health Minister, Thanos Plevris, said: “There were some false treatments that stated that when a minor has chosen a different sexual orientation, his parents could supposedly proceed with ‘treatments’ for this child to ‘return to normality’.”
He added: “Obviously these treatments not only are not a therapy but they are not supported scientifically.”
Anyone found to violate the law will face a prison sentence as well as fines.
Adverts for ‘conversion therapy’ are now banned. Plevris has also said that there are plans to ban surgeries on intersex infants.
Greece’s government has drafted a national strategy to last until 2025 on reforms promoting gender equality in the largely conservative country.
Celebrating the news on Twitter Stonewall called on the UK Government to ban ‘conversion therapy’ for the whole LGBTQ community.
Greece joins Canada, New Zealand, and France – who criminalised conversion therapy earlier this year – in furthering LGBTQ+ rights.
The UK Government must also #BanConversionTherapy for all. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
💻Email your MP to demand a ban that leaves no-one behind: https://t.co/BFEx6eToZh
— Stonewall (@stonewalluk) May 12, 2022
It comes two days after plans for a watered-down ban (that would exclude trans people) were confirmed in the Queen’s Speech.
Briefing notes accompanying today’s speech clearly state that the purpose of a ‘conversion therapy’ bill would be to “Ban conversion therapy practices intended to change sexual orientation” only.
They clarify that the proposed legislation will not ban ‘conversion therapy’ for lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults who ‘consent’ to it, stating that the new law will “protect under-18s, regardless of circumstance, and over-18s who do not consent and who are coerced or forced to undergo conversion therapy practices.”
The Attitude May/June issue is out now.
