Praying for Torture: Why the United Kingdom Should Ban Conversion Therapy
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NOTE
PRAYING FOR TORTURE: WHY THE UNITED KINGDOM
SHOULD BAN CONVERSION THERAPY
CHRISTOPHER ROMERO*
ABSTRACT
This Note outlines the history of conversion therapy as it moved from
mainstream psychology into fringe psychology and extreme religious prac-
tice. There is no evidence that conversion therapy can change an indi-
vidual's sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual. The
existing evidence shows that conversion therapy increases an individ-
ual's depression, internalized homophobia, and suicidal tendencies. In
2017, the British Parliament refused to hold hearings on banning con-
version therapy, citing a lack of evidence that the therapy is a widespread
problem in the country. However, reports surfaced around the same time
stating that some religious groups and psychologists practice conversion
therapy regularly. This Note seeks to establish that knowingly practicing
conversion therapy on an individual to change their sexual orientation
from homosexual to heterosexual should be considered torture and cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment under international and United King-
dom's domestic law. Thus, the United Kingdom should pass a ban on
conversion therapy, regardless of whether it is practiced in a religious or
psychological context.
I. INTRODUCTION
Josh Parry, an investigative journalist with Liverpool Echo
(Echo), recently went undercover to a Mountain of Fire and Mira-
cles Ministry service where he posed as a young man questioning
his sexuality.' After a group prayer ceremony, Mr. Parry was
invited to a private counseling session with the assistant pastor,
Brother Michael.2 The two discussed how Mr. Parry could change
his sexual desires and eventually marry a woman.3 Brother Michael
* J.D. 2019, The George Washington University Law School; B.A. 2015, The Univer-
sity of Arizona.
1. See Josh Parry, This is the Reality of Gay 'Cure' Conversion Therapy Taking Place in
Liverpool, ECHO (July 2, 2018, 8:20 P.M.), http://www.1iverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liver
pool-news/echo-goes-undercover-gay-cure-13468107 [https://perma.cc/AT66-NQCN].
2. Id.
3. Id.
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Praying for Torture: Why the United Kingdom Should Ban Conversion Therapy
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