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Kaden Mays

(Name Removed)

AP Language and Composition

10 March 2020

The Ethics and Morals Behind Conversion Therapy

Although many times hidden, people in the LGBT Community have been present in

society from the origin of our world. From Theban armies entirely made up of men and their

same-sex lovers to the Drag Queens competing on Emmy-winning television show, Rupaul’s

Drag Race, the LGBT community has always been fighting throughout history. Whether through

forms of picket line protests conducted by the Westboro Baptist Church, or discrimination based

on the “religious freedom” guaranteed to people in the Constitution of the United States,

apposers of the LGBT community have always continued trying to subvert the LGBT

community. As it is a personal right to disagree with quite literally anything there is no denying

the validity of their opinion, but this becomes unethical when the abuse of children and teens

gets involved and this is seen in conversion. Gay Conversion Therapy, otherwise known as

“reparative” therapy, is the practice of using different methods to change the sexuality of a

person who identifies as LGBT and trying to transform them into the “normal” sexuality of

heterosexual. These methods range anywhere from forcing sex acts and sexual abuse on children,

to strict, physical torture and abuse. While it seems like an unusual practice, it actually is sadly,

very common. The act of performing conversion therapy on a human is very unprecedented

physically, mentally, and even spiritually. While it is normal and naturally right to disagree with
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an issue a person deems fit, conversion therapy is an inhumane and unethical practice and

shouldn’t be ignored for sake of opinions.

Throughout history, there have always been specific waves of historically significant

events that leave a legacy on not only the United States, but the world. For example, there’s the

American Civil War, the historic Civil Rights Movement, and many others. One of these

“waves” includes the highly significant Gay Liberation Movement in the mid-to-late 20th

Century. The people of this movement, such as transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson,

continued to fight for radical justice for LGBT citizens under strict laws prohibiting the

“practice” of homosexuality, which did not end until the establishment of The Matthew Shepard

Act in 2003 which effectively decriminalized homosexuality in the United States. While laws

decriminalizing homosexuality were adopted, as well as the legalization of same-sex marriage in

2015, there continues to be no federal action against the practice of LGBT conversion therapy.

According to a study and report done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration, accompanied by the support from the American Psychiatric Association, the

professional consensus on homosexuality is that “Same-gender sexual orientation and variations

in gender identity and gender expression are apart of a normal spectrum of human diversity and

do not constitute a mental disorder,” and on the issue of conversion therapy they state, “...none of

the existing research supports the premise that mental or behavioral health interventions can alter

gender identity or sexual orientation.” (SAMHSA) With critical evidence acknowledging the

validity of the immorality of conversion therapy, it seems exemplary to support the

criminalization of LGBT conversion therapy.

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Concerning the Christian population, which has been opponents of homosexuality, there

is undeniable evidence regarding the immorality of conversion therapy. The teachings of Jesus

Christ, the religious epicenter of most, if not all Christian beliefs, consist of one, united basis

which can be seen in the first four books of the New Testament, also known as the gospels or the

gospels of Jesus Christ. According to the book of John, chapter 13, verse 34, it states, “A new

command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, love one another.” Although

disagreeing with the innate actions and culture of homosexuality is a matter of opinion, it is

imperative of Christians, especially on the basis of the words of Jesus Christ, to respect and love

members of the LGBT community, which does include supporting the end of conversion therapy.

According to the biblical text, Jesus associated with people of different backgrounds, most

famously meeting with a prostitute woman named Mary who would end up being one of Jesus’

closest confidants. Jesus always taught the principles of love, tolerance, and respect. It is

commanded in the Bible to follow those exact principles. As conversion therapy practices

performing physical abuse and pressures people, mainly children and teens, to forcefully change

themselves, it seems quite contradictory of a person to practice conversion therapy of LGBT

teens and children, while preaching Jesus’ teachings of love and respect.

Conversion Therapy to the average person may seem pretty taboo or uncommon. To the

uneducated eye, it seems pretty lacking as a social issue that appeals to the justice warriors of our

society, but it actually is far from being a minute issue that people don’t consider in society or in

our government. Regarding the government, due to the moral implications which are shown by

this practice, a normal person would assume that the United State’s government would’ve ended,

or at the minimum, regulated the practice of conversion therapy, but in fact, the federal
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government has done very little to end conversion therapy, and regarding state government,

conversion therapy is still legal in 36 United States and Territories owned by the United States

Government. (Streed Jr.) It does seem quite odd that while there have been plenty of presidents

in the past 50 years, there has been very little federal action against the issue of conversion

therapy. Any president could’ve chosen to step up and produce an executive order or to come

forward in support of a bill, yet that doesn’t seem to be the case throughout the course of history.

The inaction on this issue is not only seen on the typically conservative Republican side,

but also on the most “liberal” Democratic side. In states like New Jersey, where there is a

seemingly overwhelming number of liberal residences, the only action is seen on conversion

therapy came from former Republican Governor Chris Christie who, in 2013, signed the bill

which sought to ban conversion therapy in New Jersey. He has said, “I believe that exposing

children to these health risks without clear evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks

is not appropriate,” and goes on to note that the American Psychiatric Association has noticed

and given light to the fact that conversion therapy can go on to lead to mental health issues and

substance abuse.” (Blake) With evidence that proves that reparative therapies are shown to be

very harmful to people, especially adolescents and children, it seems quite unrefutable that the

act of conversion therapy is unethical in the simple sense that it is harmful. This harm, which has

gone unnoticed for a very long time should be the simple factor that people who may not

necessarily agree with or even support the LGBT community see that it is ungodly to harm a

child or teen with the abuse seen in conversion therapy.

The issue of conversion therapy at a glance looks like the type of issue only a social

justice warrior or far-left person would fight for. But, it actually is a very bipartisan issue that
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people of all sides seem to want to fight for. While there is little action being taken federally on

conversion therapy, there appears to be a small wave of states, several who are traditionally

“red”, who have joined the fight against conversion therapy. Most recently, one of the most

conservative and religious states in the United States made it illegal for licensed officials to

perform conversion therapy. This state was the state of Utah. Governor Gary R. Herbert said he

considered the practice of conversion therapy to be “unprofessional conduct” for licensed

officials. Although the ban doesn’t include religious officials, it is still seen as a win in the fight

against conversion. (Zaveri)

Something to also understand is that conversion therapy is not just an issue in the United

States, it’s an issue around the world. While the United States may appear to be absolutely

horrible when it comes to conversion, it actually seems to be one of the most accepting countries

in the world. Conversion therapy is so wildly and sadly seen in so many places, especially the

majority of Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is so wildly seen in the countries of Asia, especially

China. Although homosexuality was declassified as a mental illness in 2001, the idea that LGBT

people can “change” is still fiery in their society. A reason for this is due to the rampant idea in

China of producing an heir for your family. This is for the purpose of continuing your family

name. In a report done on conversion therapy in China it says that out of the 17 people who were

interviewed about their experiences in conversion therapy, “...All interviewees said they were

placed in conversion therapy programs under duress. They described intense coercion and even

threats from family members and others…” as well they said that, “All interviewees said they

went to conversion therapy against their will, typically within days of coming out to their

parents.” (Sophie Richardson) Not only is conversion therapy the big issue being seen in China
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as well as the world, but it is also the lack of consent for which children, young adults, and even

some adults are put into conversion therapy sessions. Without permission from the person

receiving the “treatment”, which would be performed on themselves, it is naturally unethical to

assume that the person receiving conversion therapy would consent to it. Sadly, this is the case in

not only China cases, but in the majority of cases.

One thing that is seen in the realm of conversion therapy are the inhumane methods that

are used on the subjects. While there are definitely conversion therapy groups that aren’t

necessarily physically violent towards their participants, the vast majority of these groups use

mental and physical abuse against their participants. There are many methods used when

practicing conversion on a person but in most instances, it is physical, mental and sometimes

sexual abuse. Light has been shed upon many of these methods through American pop culture,

especially in the film and television world. The acts committed in conversion therapy are seen in

movies like “Boy Erased” which premiered in 2018. The movie, which is based on a true story,

follows the journey of a son of Baptist parents. He is sent away to endure conversion therapy.

The film depicts the grueling abuses that occurred during theo young boy's time during therapy.

The ways pop culture has stood up to portray issues such as conversion therapy are astounding

and it shows the growing view of the unethical practice. It is very interesting to note that

first-hand evidence into serious issues like conversion can be presented through popular media

yet people tend to toss the issue aside as if it isn’t important or necessary to talk about. But, the

exact purpose of films is to talk about and address issues that need to be addressed.

Conversion therapy not only comes with its problems and controversies but it also

inherently promotes the increase of intolerance and lack of acceptance. The main reason kids get
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sent to conversion therapy is specifically because their parents did not accept them or support

them. According to a study done by San Francisco State University on family acceptance, they

found that compared to LGBT youth who were accepted by their family, either totally or mildly,

those who were not were “eight times as likely to commit suicide...nearly six times as likely to

report high levels of depression,” as well as being “three times as likely to use illegal drugs.”

(HRC) The risk levels involved with conversion therapy, in general, is something to be noticed.

Also, according to an article in “Science Magazine” by Meredith Wadman which took a survey

of around 28,000 transgender people, “The study...found that conversion therapy survivors were

1.5 times more likely than peers who underwent other kinds of therapy to have experience

‘severe psychological distress’.” (Wadman) It is very evident that conversion therapy is unethical

and immoral especially as it imposes one’s own religious beliefs and doctrines through abusive

powers.

One powerful story of overcoming sorrow and pain seen in conversion therapy is seen in

the story of Sam Brinton, which is highlighted in his article he wrote presented in the New York

Times. In his article, he describes the many egregious acts performed upon him in his experience

with conversion therapy as a middle schooler. He illustrates, “For over two years, I sat on a

couch and endured emotionally painful sessions with a counselor. I was told that my faith

community rejected my sexuality...that it was inevitable I would get HIV and AIDS.” This abuse

described by him there is emotional and verbal but he goes on to describe, “The therapist ordered

bound to a table to have ice, heat, and electricity applied to my body. I was forced to watch clips

on a television of gay men holding hands, hugging, and having sex...it didn’t work.” (Brinton)

The abuse seen by him is not atypical. In fact, it is quite the opposite. His story of overcoming
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pain and abuse that no person, especially a middle schooler should have to go through is not

something that is abnormal in society. While people may see stories of boys and girls being

subjected to electroshock therapy and forced sex-acts in society as some sort of abnormality or

irregularity, it is seen in the vast majority of conversion therapy survivors. According to a study

provided by Brinton in his article done by the Williams Institute Think Tank at The University of

California, Los Angeles (in 2018), “700,000 adults have received conversion therapy at some

point, including about 350,000 who received the treatment as adolescents…” (Brinton) At some

point, it is relevant to look at this issue with open minds and hearts and see how many people it

hurts and how many lives will be traumatized. With this statistical information, the people who

describe their values based on the teachings of Jesus Christ should not attempt to be willingly

blind to the abuse done by people in the name of God.

Being opinionated is one of the most necessary things for a person to be. It is imperative

to stand for something in a society where you must democratically fight for your beliefs.

Conversion therapy is ultimately harmful to not only those who are put into it, but it is also

harmful to the entire LGBT community as well. While people may have their views on the

LGBT community, the culture, etc., it is rather difficult to deny the validity of the view on why

conversion therapy is immoral and wrong. With statistical evidence showing the major risks and

after-effects on those who are “treated” by conversion therapy, as well as first-hand evidence and

stories seen in reports, articles and even blockbuster movies, it is clear what needs to be done in

not only the United States of America, not only in China or Asia but the entire world. While

there are many people who simply don’t have access to the information given in this report or the

information provided by the internet it is understandable how some people wouldn’t be able to
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understand at all the sheer magnitude of this issue, but on the base level of morality, the issue of

conversion therapy is purely an unjust, an unethical, and an unecessary practice.

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Works Cited

As I Have Loved You--Love One Another: John 13:34. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day

Saints, 1995.

Blake, Aaron. “Christie Signs Bill That Bans Conversion Therapy.” The Washington Post. 19

August 2013.

Brinton, Sam. "Tortured in Gay Conversion Therapy." The New York Times, 2018, pp. A27.

Human Rights Campaign. “The Lies and Dangers of ‘Conversion Therapy.’” Human Rights

Campaign, www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy.

Kennedy, Elliot. “Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth.” Oct.

2015, drive.google.com/file/d/1XbSpdbZuWhex24x6676i5xJFREQe4c49/view.

Richardson, Sophie. “‘Have You Considered Your Parents' Happiness?": Conversion Therapy

Against LGBT People in China.” Human Rights Watch, 21 Nov. 2017,

www.hrw.org/report/2017/11/15/have-you-considered-your-parents-happiness/conversion

-therapy-against-lgbt-people.

Streed, Carl G., et al. "Changing Medical Practice, Not Patients — Putting an End to Conversion

Therapy." The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 381, no. 6, 2019, pp. 500-502.

WadmanSep, Meredith. “New Study Reveals Risks of Transgender 'Conversion Therapy'.”

Science, 12 Sept. 2019,

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www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/09/new-study-reveals-risks-transgender-conversion-ther

apy.

Zaveri, Mihir. “Utah Is Latest State To Ban Conversion Therapy For Children.” New York Times,

January 22, 2020,

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/us/utah-conversion-therapy-ban.html