We welcome President Obama’s statement and stand with him in opposition to reparative therapy for minors, and call on everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to stand with us and put an end, once and for all, to this practice.
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UNITED STATES – We, as former leaders and founders of conversion/ex-gay therapy, stand with President Obama and call for an end to the scientifically discredited practice of “conversion therapy,” also known as reparative therapy, ex-gay treatments and sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE).
As we stated in our open letter (July, 2014), we represent more than 50 years of experience and can attest to the emotional and spiritual damage caused to men, women, children and their families. Now with more than 40 years of research, nearly every major medical, mental and social health organization affirms that conversion therapy does not work. It has, in fact, proven to be potentially harmful.
Unfortunately, the issues of sexuality and gender are used as divisive weapons between political parties, making the human lives of LGBT people fodder for debate and leverage for control and power. In the crosshairs, lie young victims whose potential straddles perceived religious freedoms and real life dilemmas. We can do better than this.
Banning reparative therapy for minors from licensed clinical mental health professionals assures young people can find solace and solidarity in the scientific community, while holding mental health workers accountable. It does not limit them, or their parents, from seeking spiritual advice from clergy. It does however, send a clear message that the practice of sexual orientation change efforts does not work, and should alert and alarm guardians of its potentially dangerous, or even deadly, effects.
As one would never send a patient to a doctor to perform unethical, unnecessary, and outdated medicine, it is time to hold mental health practitioners to similar standards. We welcome President Obama’s statement and stand with him in opposition to reparative therapy for minors, and call on everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to stand with us and put an end, once and for all, to this practice.
Brad Allen
Lay Leader Volunteer (2005-2007)
Church Network Coordinator (2007)
Exodus International
Darlene Bogle
Founder, Director, Counselor
Paraklete Ministries (1985 to 1992)
Michael Bussee
EXIT (1974-1979)
Co-founder
Exodus International (1976-1979)
Catherine Chapman
Project Coordinator (2000-2003)
Women’s Ministry Director (2005-2007)
Portland Fellowship
Jeremy Marks
Founder
Courage UK (1988 – 2000)
Exodus Europe (1988 – 1999)
John Paulk
Love in Action Leadership Team (1989-1993)
Public Relations Director, Portland Fellowship (1996-98)
Founder-Director, Love Won Out (1998-2003)
Exodus International Board of Directors (1998-2003)
Bill Prickett
Founder, Executive Director
Coming Back (1986-1988)
Tim Rymel
Outreach Director
Love in Action (1991-1996)
Yvette Cantu Schneider
Executive Director (2001-2005) Living in Victory Ministry
Director of Women’s Ministry, Exodus International (2008-2011)
Policy analyst, Family Research Council (1998-2011)
John J. Smid
Executive Director, Love In Action (1987-2008)
Exodus International Board of Directors (1990-1995; 2002-2008)
Randy Thomas
Executive Director, Living Hope Ministries (1999 to 2002)
Staff member, Executive Vice President, Exodus International (2002-2013)
Michael D. Watt
Drop-in Support Group Coordinator, Love in Action (2005-2006)
Love in Action Board Member (2006-2008)
Kevin White
Manager of Exodus Books
Exodus International (2006-2008)
I went through ex-gay counseling as an adult, and I can tell you from personal experience that it does not work. It was bad for me as an adult who was wanted to be there and was motivated for it to work. I can only imagine how bad it would be for a young person who was forced to be there. No person of any age should have to endure something like this. As far as I’m concerned no professional counselor should be legally allowed to practice ex-gay therapy. Decades of evidence conclusively show that it is harmful and it… Read more »
As a bisexual woman and a libertarian, I find this outrageous. I should have the right to decide on what kind of therapy I want. Who the hell are you to deem what is harmful or not harmful for me??? I’m a friggen adult and pay for my insurance. I get to choose!!! My body my choice! My mind…my choice! What is this China? YOU don’t get to be my mouthpiece or my momma. I can choose for myself!
Jess – This doesn’t apply to adults. This applies to LGBTQ kids who are forced by their guardians to undergo treatment from mental health professionals because they are seen as an abomination to God, and are told they are not acceptable the way they are. 40 years of research shows that sexual orientation CANNOT be changed. Guardians can still seek “spiritual counseling,” but banning the practice among licensed therapists sends a message that unethical practices won’t be tolerated. We would never send a sick kid to a witch doctor to cure him or her with potions and spells. We know… Read more »
Tim, I’ve had a number of therapists that were incredibly disrespectful about MY choices on how to live with my sexuality. I don’t deny that I’m bisexual in orientation, but I don’t appreciate claims that I’m in denial or deluded because I choose to live a life that appears to be heteronormative. I do agree that conversion therapy doesn’t work. Yes, I’m familiar with the news surrounding Exodus and the like and I was involved with groups that promoted reparative therapy. I do think it’s good that some groups are reevaluating and changing their stance. But there is something that… Read more »
Jonathan – I’m in 100% agreement with everything you said. The fact that this is a political debate, and worse that it is divided primarily party lines, is despicable to me. I wish you all the best on your journey.