Date: Thu, 14 Aug 97 12:38:13 EDT From: "communications" Subject: HRC Release: APA Further Discredits 'Reparative Therapy' ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: hrc@hrc.org WWW: http://www.hrc.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, Aug. 14, 1997 AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION ON `REPARATIVE THERAPY' DELIVERS A BLOW TO ADHERENTS, HRC ASSERTS Psychologists Overwhelmingly Pass Resolution at National Convention in Chicago Go to HRC's Online Action Center for Important Related Resources http://www.hrc.org WASHINGTON -- The American Psychological Association today passed a resolution that represents a serious setback to proponents of so-called "reparative" or "conversion" therapy, according to the Human Rights Campaign. "These therapies amount to nothing more than psychological terrorism and are usually performed by practitioners who harbor intense bias against gay people," said David M. Smith, HRC's senior strategist. "These practitioners usually are affiliated with extremist religious groups that promote the illusion that sexual orientation can be changed to further their political aims." The resolution, which passed overwhelmingly at the APA convention in Chicago, asserts that there is no sound scientific evidence on the efficacy of these therapies. So-called reparative therapy seeks to convert gay people to heterosexuality, which many mental health professionals agree cannot be done. Some have compared these techniques to efforts to make some left-handed people right-handed; they may learn to use their right hands but they still are innately left-handed. Supporters of reparative therapy demanded that the APA make a statement on these therapies because they have been under intensive debate within the profession and in the larger society. "This resolution reaffirms the fact that since there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, there is no reason that gay, lesbian or bisexual people should try to change their orientations," said Kim Mills, another HRC spokesperson. "We stand with the APA in calling for an end to discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation." The resolution strongly reaffirms that homosexuality is not a mental illness and that psychologists must not "participate in or condone discriminatory practices with sexual minority clients." In addition, the APA resolution calls on psychologists to "respect the rights of individuals, including sexual minority clients, to privacy, confidentiality, self-determination and autonomy." And it directs psychologists to obtain appropriate informed consent to therapy when working with sexual minority clients, including minors. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. - 30 -