OpinionsEditorials

LGBTQ rights, safety in danger

As of 2019, only 15 states have laws protecting LGBTQ people against conversion therapy.

Conversion therapy is the practice of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This practice is not only harmful to the client, but it is also ineffective.

The American Psychological Association found no scientific evidence for the practice of conversion therapy–meaning people cannot change the level of attraction they have toward a certain gender or change someone’s gender identity. 

In 2018, the Williams Institute at University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law released a report estimating 698,000 adults ages 18-59 have experienced conversion therapy. Of these adults, 350,000 experienced the practice in adolescence. The report also estimated that 20,000 youths ages 13-17 will go through conversion therapy from a licensed healthcare professional, and 57,000 more will go through conversion therapy from religious or spiritual advisors. 

People who have undergone conversion therapy are likely to experience depression, anxiety and in some cases, suicidal ideation. The laws against the practice are typically targeted at licensed professionals, while religious leaders slip under the radar.

Conversion therapy is usually motivated by religion and parents seeking to “fix” their child’s sexual orientation. 

This idea comes from the Bible’s many anti-gay quotes, namely Leviticus 18:22, which states, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”

The documentary “Kidnapped for Christ” tells the story of a teenager, David, who identifies as gay, but was sent to an overseas school for troubled youth called Escuela Caribe by his parents. The leaders at the school would administer “culture shock therapy,” in which the victims experienced intense forced labor and repetitive exercise, physical beatings, and extreme isolation. 

Conversion therapy is a form of child abuse and it’s time to focus on banning conversion therapy from being given by both licensed professionals and religious leaders across all 50 states.

Other Stories

Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Previous article
Movie Review: Oscar winner is painful and endearing
Next article
Beal combines science fiction and literature

Latest Stories

Related articles

Arts, Etc.

Commentary: Drag offers gateway to queer community

Seeing yourself represented in the media can be the difference between self-isolation and self-acceptance. 
Arts, Etc.

Poets get personal in spring reading

The University of La Verne's Creative Writing program presented its Spring Poetry Reading on Wednesday in the Ludwick Center Sacred Space.
LV Life

Internship Expo offers one of a kind job opportunities

The first Career, Community and Internship Expo hosted by the Academic and Career Services Office, College of Business, history and political science department and Office of Civic and Community Engagement was held Wednesday at Sneaky Park.
LV Life

Students enjoy drag queen performances and bingo

Aniyha Williams Staff Writer The Campus Activities Board hosted “Call It Queen,” a drag queen bingo event Monday in the...