On 7th May 2020, the German parliament (Bundestag) passed a law to prohibit the practice together with the advertisement of conversion therapy intended to subdue the gender identity and/or sexual orientation of minors in the nation. They are the 5th country to do so, after fellow nations Malta, Ecuador, Brazil and Taiwan.
Conversion therapy often consists of a combination of counselling and prayer with the aim of ‘curing’ sexualities that are not heterosexual. Organisations offering these sessions project the idea that being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is a result of mental illness, despite the lack of scientific evidence to prove this argument. However, there is evidence for an increase in the development of mental health issues in individuals who experience such ‘treatments’ such as depression and anxiety, as well as “suicidal tendencies” according to an article by McGeorge Law Review (2013).
Approximately 1000 people undergo psychological and physical trauma attributable to such ‘therapy’ in Germany each year based on research by the Magnus Hirschfeld Foundation. In order to avoid this, the German Bundestag has created a fine of up to €30,000 (roughly £26,300) or a maximum of 1 year in prison for violators of the new law.
Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn, who is openly gay himself, stated “Homosexuality is not an illness...Therefore the term therapy is already misleading”. For him and many other members of the German parliament, it is crucial that this law communicates to their citizens that the government does not support such malicious practices.
Although this regulation is indeed positive, some German politicians believe it is not enough. The new law only protects those under the age of 18 from conversion therapy, yet the Green Party believe the age should be raised to 26 while the Left Party motions 27. Completely outlawing these practices to safeguard adults is rather difficult - starting with the prohibition against minors to prevent abuse was the best option to begin with, laying the foundations to potentially extend the age limit in the future.
After the legalisation of gay marriage and ability for gay couples to adopt occurred on 30th June 2017, this decree is another step forward not just for the LGBTQ+ community in Germany, but for all its members worldwide. Every law passed will continue to pave the way for an equal society where discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity is nonexistent; of course, the power of change is held in the hands of the public, who have the potential to protest and voice their opinions to authorities in order to fight for justice.
Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn, who is openly gay himself, stated “Homosexuality is not an illness...Therefore the term therapy is already misleading”. For him and many other members of the German parliament, it is crucial that this law communicates to their citizens that the government does not support such malicious practices.
Although this regulation is indeed positive, some German politicians believe it is not enough. The new law only protects those under the age of 18 from conversion therapy, yet the Green Party believe the age should be raised to 26 while the Left Party motions 27. Completely outlawing these practices to safeguard adults is rather difficult - starting with the prohibition against minors to prevent abuse was the best option to begin with, laying the foundations to potentially extend the age limit in the future.
After the legalisation of gay marriage and ability for gay couples to adopt occurred on 30th June 2017, this decree is another step forward not just for the LGBTQ+ community in Germany, but for all its members worldwide. Every law passed will continue to pave the way for an equal society where discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity is nonexistent; of course, the power of change is held in the hands of the public, who have the potential to protest and voice their opinions to authorities in order to fight for justice.
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