By banning conversion therapy, the EU aims to protect human rights and promote equality for all citizens.
Introduction: The Call for Action
On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia – IDAHOBIT, a significant movement has been set into motion by associations from 15 European Union (EU) member states. These organisations have united to launch a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) with the ambitious goal of banning conversion ‘therapy’ practices across the EU. This concerted effort underscores a collective determination to eliminate practices that are widely recognised as harmful and discriminatory towards LGBTIQ individuals.
The ECI is a powerful tool within the EU framework, enabling citizens to directly influence the European Commission’s legislative agenda. For this initiative to be considered by the European Commission, it requires the support of at least 1 million signatures by May 18, 2025. This threshold, while challenging, reflects the gravity and widespread concern over conversion practices, which are often disguised as legitimate therapeutic interventions but are, in reality, forms of psychological and emotional abuse.
The timing of this launch carries profound significance. The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTIQ people worldwide. By choosing this day to unveil the initiative, the organizers are leveraging its symbolic power to garner attention, support, and momentum for the cause. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTIQ community and the urgent need for legislative action to protect their rights and well-being.
In essence, this ECI represents a crucial step towards achieving equality and safeguarding the dignity of LGBTIQ individuals across Europe. It calls upon the collective conscience of EU citizens to stand against practices that undermine the fundamental principles of human rights and equality. The initiative not only seeks to ban conversion therapy but also aims to foster a more inclusive and accepting society, free from the prejudices that fuel such harmful practices.
The Scope of Conversion Practices in the EU
Conversion practices, aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, remain a significant concern within the European Union (EU). Recent reports shed light on the alarming prevalence of these harmful interventions. The LIBE report from July 2023 estimated that 5% of LGBT individuals in the EU have been offered such practices, with 2% having undergone them. However, these figures might only scratch the surface of the issue. The true extent of conversion practices is likely underreported, given the stigma and psychological trauma often associated with these experiences.
Further highlighting the issue, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) conducted a comprehensive survey in May 2024. The results were staggering: 24% of respondents reported experiencing interventions designed to alter their sexual orientation or gender identity. This significant discrepancy between the LIBE and FRA findings suggests that conversion practices might be more widespread and insidious than initially believed. These interventions can range from pseudo-scientific counseling sessions to more extreme measures, including physical and psychological abuse.
The impact of these practices on LGBTIQ individuals cannot be overstated. Victims often suffer from long-term psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The pervasive nature of these practices within the EU underscores the urgent need for comprehensive legislative measures to protect the rights and well-being of LGBTIQ individuals. The call to ban conversion practices is not merely a legal or political issue but a moral imperative to safeguard human dignity and equality.
In light of these findings, it is evident that concerted efforts are required to address the root causes and societal attitudes that perpetuate conversion practices. By fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusivity, the EU can make significant strides towards eradicating these harmful interventions and promoting true equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Harmful Impact of Conversion Practices
Conversion practices, often referred to as «conversion therapy», pose significant risks to the well-being of LGBTIQ individuals. These practices, which aim to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, are rooted in the erroneous belief that being LGBTIQ is a disorder that needs to be “cured.” According to the European Commission’s LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, such practices are not only ineffective but also profoundly harmful.
Psychologically, conversion practices can lead to severe mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The pressure to conform to heteronormative standards can cause immense emotional distress. Individuals subjected to these practices often experience feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, which can persist long after the intervention ends. This emotional toll is exacerbated by the stigma and discrimination that LGBTIQ individuals frequently face in broader society.
Emotionally, the impact of conversion practices can be devastating. Personal testimonies reveal that individuals often feel betrayed by those they trusted, such as family members and religious leaders, who may advocate for or enforce these interventions. The sense of isolation and rejection can be overwhelming, leading to long-term emotional scars. Case studies have shown that the trauma associated with conversion practices can disrupt personal relationships and hinder the development of a healthy self-identity.
Physically, some conversion practices involve extreme measures, including electroshock therapy and other forms of aversion therapy. These methods can cause lasting physical harm and exacerbate the psychological and emotional damage. The European Commission’s strategy highlights the urgent need for legislative action to ban such practices, protecting LGBTIQ individuals from further harm.
The real-life consequences of conversion practices underscore the critical need for comprehensive legislation to prohibit these harmful interventions. Personal stories and case studies illustrate the urgency of this issue, emphasising that conversion practices have no place in a society that values equality and human dignity. Legislative measures are imperative to ensure the protection and well-being of LGBTIQ individuals across Europe.
Path Forward: Legislative and Social Change
If the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) to ban conversion practices achieves its required signature threshold, the European Commission will undertake a structured process to address the issue. The first step involves a formal response from the Commission within a nine-month period. This process will include a detailed examination of the initiative’s content and the potential legislative measures that could be implemented at the EU level.
Legislatively, the Commission may propose new laws aimed at prohibiting conversion practices across member states. These proposed laws would then be subject to approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The legislative process would involve extensive consultations with stakeholders, including human rights organisations, legal experts, and representatives of the LGBTIQ community.
Beyond the legislative process, the broader implications for LGBTIQ rights are significant. A successful ban on conversion practices would represent a landmark achievement in the EU’s efforts to promote equality and protect marginalised communities. It would serve as a clear signal that harmful practices targeting the LGBTIQ community are unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the Union.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with the EU’s broader agenda to combat discrimination and ensure equal treatment for all citizens. It underscores a commitment to safeguarding human dignity and advancing social justice. The potential ban on conversion practices would also foster greater awareness and education about LGBTIQ issues, helping to reduce stigma and promote acceptance.
To support these efforts, it is crucial for individuals to actively engage in advocacy. By signing the ECI, participating in awareness campaigns, and lobbying their respective governments, citizens can contribute to the momentum needed to achieve legislative change. This collective action is essential in ensuring that the EU remains a leader in promoting human rights and equality for the LGBTIQ community.
Register your support here : European Citizens’ Initiative
