Case 1:19-cv-00463-RJD-ST Document 24-32 Filed 04/11/19 Page 1 of 1 PageID #: 1021 Search APsaA... FIND AN ANALYST EVENTS Home 2012 - Position Statement on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression The American Psychoanalytic Association affirms the right of all people to their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression without interference or coercive interventions attempting to change sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. As with any societal prejudice, bias against individuals based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression negatively affects mental health, contributing to an enduring sense of stigma and pervasive self-criticism through the internalization of such prejudice. Psychoanalytic technique does not encompass purposeful attempts to “convert,” “repair,” change or shift an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Such directed efforts are against fundamental principles of psychoanalytic treatment and often result in substantial psychological pain by reinforcing damaging internalized attitudes. Adopted June 2012. This position statement replaces APsaA’s December 1999 position statement on reparative therapy Case 1:19-cv-00463-RJD-ST Document 24-33 Filed 04/11/19 Page 1 of 1 PageID #: 1022 APS Position Statement on Psychological Practices that attempt to change Sexual Orientation Approaches to mental health practice variously referred to as ‘reparative’, ‘conversion’ or ‘ex- gay’ are based on the belief that homosexuality is a disorder, and that it can be ‘cured’. No professional health organisation in Australia supports these approaches, for the following reasons: 1) There is no clinical evidence demonstrating that approaches that claim to change a person’s sexual orientation are effective. 2) There is, however, a considerable body of evidence documenting the negative effects of stigma associated with homosexuality, including higher rates of depression. 3) There is also clinical evidence that reparative, conversion and ex-gay approaches can compound the challenges already faced by some lesbians and gay men. For example, the ‘failure’ of such approaches can further contribute to negative mental health outcomes. As a professional organisation committed to evidence-based practice, the Australian Psychological Society strongly opposes any form of mental health practice that treats homosexuality as a disorder, or seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation. Any psychologist attempting to do so is likely to be in breach of the APS Code of Ethics. Instead, in response to an individual client who may be struggling with their homosexuality, the Australian Psychological Society recommends psychological approaches that attempt to: challenge negative stereotypes develop affirming social supports promote self-acceptance; and increase mental health literacy. Such responses are in line with the APS Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Clients. References Australian Psychological Society. (2007). Code of ethics. Melbourne: APS. Australian Psychological Society. (2010). Ethical Guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay and bisexual clients. Melbourne: APS. The Australian Psychological Society Limited PO Box 38 Flinders Lane VIC 8009 Phone: 03 8662 3300 Fax: 03 9663 6177 Email: [email protected] Website: www.psychology.org.au © 2015 1 APS Position Statement on attempts to change Sexual Orientation Case 1:19-cv-00463-RJD-ST Document 24-34 Filed 04/11/19 Page 1 of 4 PageID #: 1023 Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK Version 2 October 2017 Case 1:19-cv-00463-RJD-ST Document 24-34 Filed 04/11/19 Page 2 of 4 PageID #: 1024 Purpose and Overarching Position: new and existing psychological therapists are appropriately trained. 1 The primary purpose of this Memorandum of evidence into conversion therapy is kept Understanding (MoU) is the protection of the under regular review. public through a commitment to ending the professionals from across the health, practice of ‘conversion therapy’ in the UK. care and psychological professions work together to achieve the above goals. 2 For the purposes of this document ’conversion therapy’ is an umbrella term for a therapeutic 6 This position is not intended to deny, approach, or any model or individual viewpoint discourage or exclude those with uncertain that demonstrates an assumption that any feelings around sexuality or gender identity sexual orientation or gender identity is from seeking qualified and appropriate help. inherently preferable to any other, and which attempts to bring about a change of sexual This document supports therapists to provide orientation or gender identity, or seeks to appropriately informed and ethical practice supress an individual’s expression of sexual when working with a client who wishes to orientation or gender identity on that basis. explore, experiences conflict with or is in distress regarding, their sexual orientation or These efforts are sometimes referred to by gender identity. terms including, but not limited to, ‘reparative therapy’, ‘gay cure therapy’, or ‘sexual Nor is it intended to stop psychological and orientation and gender identity change efforts’, medical professionals who work with trans and and sometimes may be covertly practised gender questioning clients from performing under the guise of mainstream practice without a clinical assessment of suitability prior to being named. medical intervention. i) For the purpose of this document, sexual orientation refers to the sexual or romantic For people who are unhappy about their sexual attraction someone feels to people of the orientation or their transgender status, there same sex, opposite sex, more than one sex, may be grounds for exploring therapeutic or to experience no attraction. options to help them live more comfortably ii) For the purposes of this document, gender with it, reduce their distress and reach a identity is interpreted broadly to include all greater degree of self-acceptance. Some varieties of binary (male or female), non- people may benefit from the challenge of binary and gender fluid identities. psychotherapy and counselling to help them manage dysphoria and to clarify their sense of 3 Signatory organisations agree that the practice themselves. Clients make healthy choices when of conversion therapy, whether in relation they understand themselves better. to sexual orientation or gender identity, is unethical and potentially harmful. Ethical practice in these cases requires the practitioner to have adequate knowledge and 4 Signatory organisations agree that neither understanding of gender and sexual diversity sexual orientation nor gender identity in and to be free from any agenda that favours themselves are indicators of a mental disorder. one gender identity or sexual orientation as preferable over other gender and sexual 5 This MoU also intends to ensure that: diversities. For this reason, it is essential for clinicians to acknowledge the broad spectrum the public are well informed about the risks of sexual orientations and gender identities and of conversion therapy. gender expressions. healthcare professionals and psychological therapists are aware of the ethical issues relating to conversion therapy. Case 1:19-cv-00463-RJD-ST Document 24-34 Filed 04/11/19 Page 3 of 4 PageID #: 1025 Roles and responsibilities: 16 Those with a responsibility for training will work to ensure that training prepares therapists to 7 Signing this document commits signatory have sufficient levels of cultural competence organisations to draw up an action plan to such that they can work effectively with gender proactively implement the relevant actions below. and sexually diverse clients. 8 Where appropriate, the organisations 17 Training organisations will refer to the latest undersigned will ensure that there is board-level British Psychological Society guidelines on support in carrying out the necessary measures working with gender and sexually diverse to meet the commitments within the MoU. clients when reviewing their curriculum on equality and diversity issues. 9 While all parties share a common interest in ending conversion therapy, their remits and 18 Organisations will review their current responsibilities differ. guidelines and policies and consider the need to include more specific requirements to 10 This MoU does not exhaustively list every ensure individual practitioners and training action which every organisation will take but organisations demonstrate awareness and sets out a framework for how organisations understanding of policy regarding conversion will respond to the issue in areas where they therapy. do have responsibility. 19 Campaigning bodies will work to ensure that 11 Organisations with practice members will their target audiences are aware of the basis ensure through training and/or published for concern about any ongoing practice of guidelines that the relevant over-arching conversion therapy. ethical principles in their statements of ethical practice are understood and applied when working with sexually and gender diverse clients, as pertaining to the basic standards of honest, competent and non- discriminatory practice to which clients of all Review & Research: identities and orientations are entitled. 20 Signatory organisations will meet regularly to 12 Organisations that work in the provision of oversee the implementation