Malta is the first country in Europe to ban therapies that attempt to ‘cure’ or convert gay people from their sexuality.
The parliament in Valetta unanimously approved a bill outlawing anyone trying to ‘change, repress or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression’.
Practicing medical ‘professionals’ who prescribe a ‘gay cure’ could be fined up to £8,510 and receive up to a year in prison.
The Mediterranean island, led by Joseph Muscat, has launched a number of progressive reforms since the Socialist government was elected in 2013.
In Britain, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and all leading counselling and psychotherapy bodies signed a joint statement describing the homosexual ‘cures’ and ‘therapies’ as unethical, unscientific, and potentially dangerous, the Guardian reports.
Professional bodies representing Malta’s psychologists, psychiatrists, family therapists and counsellors were ‘proud to have played an integral part’ in banning the ‘inhumane’ practice.
The associations said:
[Gay conversion therapy] not only rejects a group of individuals on the basis of unfounded prejudice and lack of tolerance for diversity, but also impinges on the international recognition of LGBTIQ rights.
As a body we promote respect and equality for all persons, and are determined to continue working towards ensuring our clients can enjoy as safe a therapeutic experience as they deserve.
Malta has been commended numerous times as the country which best respects the rights of LGBTQ people.
This just makes me wonder why more European countries haven’t outlawed the immoral practice…
