Puerto Rico social workers advocate to ban conversion therapies in Senate hearing
June 14, 2021 | Senate, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico, International
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In a recent meeting of the Comisión de Iniciativas Comunitarias, significant discussions centered around the urgent need to prohibit reparative or conversion therapies in Puerto Rico. Dr. José Franceschini emphasized that banning these practices is essential for fostering a more just and equitable society, where the dignity of all individuals is respected regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The meeting highlighted the strong opposition from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) against teaching conversion therapy methods in accredited social work programs. This stance is rooted in the lack of empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of such therapies, which are widely condemned by mental health organizations for their potential to cause harm to individuals and families. Dr. Franceschini referenced a study by Dresher et al. (2016), which documented the ethical violations associated with conversion therapies, including the mischaracterization of homosexuality as a mental disorder and breaches of confidentiality.
The Colegio de Profesionales del Trabajo Social de Puerto Rico expressed its support for Senate Bill 184, which aims to prohibit conversion therapies. However, concerns were raised regarding the bill's failure to explicitly address spiritual counseling practices that may also seek to change sexual orientation. The meeting revealed alarming statistics from the Williams Institute, indicating that over 57,000 young people in the U.S. have undergone conversion therapy at the hands of religious leaders before turning 18, leaving them vulnerable to psychological harm.
Dr. Franceschini urged for further investigation into religious institutions in Puerto Rico that may be employing spiritual counseling to alter sexual orientation, citing the Nueva Condición ministry as an example. This ministry promotes a narrative that links homosexuality to emotional issues stemming from parental relationships, a perspective deemed dangerous and harmful.
The discussions underscored the need for legislative action to protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, from harmful practices disguised as therapy. The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborate on initiatives that uphold human rights and dignity for all citizens in Puerto Rico.
The meeting highlighted the strong opposition from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) against teaching conversion therapy methods in accredited social work programs. This stance is rooted in the lack of empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of such therapies, which are widely condemned by mental health organizations for their potential to cause harm to individuals and families. Dr. Franceschini referenced a study by Dresher et al. (2016), which documented the ethical violations associated with conversion therapies, including the mischaracterization of homosexuality as a mental disorder and breaches of confidentiality.
The Colegio de Profesionales del Trabajo Social de Puerto Rico expressed its support for Senate Bill 184, which aims to prohibit conversion therapies. However, concerns were raised regarding the bill's failure to explicitly address spiritual counseling practices that may also seek to change sexual orientation. The meeting revealed alarming statistics from the Williams Institute, indicating that over 57,000 young people in the U.S. have undergone conversion therapy at the hands of religious leaders before turning 18, leaving them vulnerable to psychological harm.
Dr. Franceschini urged for further investigation into religious institutions in Puerto Rico that may be employing spiritual counseling to alter sexual orientation, citing the Nueva Condición ministry as an example. This ministry promotes a narrative that links homosexuality to emotional issues stemming from parental relationships, a perspective deemed dangerous and harmful.
The discussions underscored the need for legislative action to protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, from harmful practices disguised as therapy. The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborate on initiatives that uphold human rights and dignity for all citizens in Puerto Rico.
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