The Church of England is calling on the British government to ban the practice of conversion therapy, calling it "unethical" and "potentially harmful," reports The Guardian.
Sexual orientation change efforts — more commonly known as "reparative therapy" or "conversion therapy" — are currently legal in the United Kingdom. While the government condemns the practice, conversion therapy is not illegal. In March, a petition seeking to change the practice's legal status failed to garner enough signatures to be considered in Parliament.
Two members of the Church of England came forward to share their stories, The Guardian reports:
Proposing the motion, Jayne Ozanne — who underwent conversion therapy resulting in two breakdowns and two spells in hospital — said conversion therapy was “abuse from which vulnerable adults need protecting”.
Ed Cox, of the C of E’s youth council, struggled to maintain composure as he spoke of his personal experience of being told his sexual orientation was a lifestyle choice or phase and needed prayer. “This fundamentally says I was made wrong,” he told the synod. As a result of what he described as spiritual abuse, he suffered severe depression.
Speaking before the debate, Ozanne said she wanted the church to make a clear public statement. As the established church “we can encourage other denominations and faiths to consider their positions on this,” she said.
Read more here.
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!
