CONVERSION THERAPY, EMERGING TECHNOLOGY, AND THE PROTECTION OF - LGBTQ+ RIGHTS IN AFRICA

UNDERSTANDING CONVERSION THERAPY 2.1 Definition of conversion therapy Conversion therapy is a broad term which refers to therapy techniques or other activities that attempt to change or alter sexual orientation or reduce a person’s attraction to other persons of the same sex and instil conventional gender roles.8 Conversion therapy is based on the premise that homosexuality is a disease, addiction. [...] For this report, we refer to conversion therapy in the broad sense to include a host of other socio-cultural practices, outside of psychological therapies, performed in the attempt to alter sexual orientation or reduce the attraction to others of the same sex.10 2.2 Forms of conversion therapy Conversion therapy takes a variety of forms, with many practitioners employing several techniques. [...] Such was the case of Mohammad, an Egyptian man who claims to have converted to heterosexuality after receiving both online and in-person therapy from Joseph Nicolosi, one of the pioneers of the theory of psychological conversion therapy in the United States.54 As these forms of therapy move online, they become more accessible and thus more dangerous. [...] 33% of African respondents to an OutAction survey indicated that they believed conversion therapy to be very prevalent in their societies, compared to only 17% of Latin American respondents.62 Anti-homosexual rhetoric by the religious community and the promotion of religious conversion therapy methods such as exorcisms contribute to the popularity of conversion therapy on the continent. [...] 81 The ban on conversion therapy was succeeded by a law which was adopted in 2015, and dealt with the affirmation of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.82 Taiwan In Taiwan, conversion therapy is prohibited under the Criminal Code, and The Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act.