Bundestag votes for ban on "conversion therapy" against homosexuality

According to a decision of the Bundestag, the “polarity reversal” of homosexual people through pseudo-therapies is prohibited. Jens Spahn: Important signal for acceptance.

• The Bundestag has decided to ban so-called “ conversion therapy ”

• Attempting to “reverse polarize” homosexual people is therefore punishable
• Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn  (CDU) sees this as an important sign of acceptance

Berlin (AFP) - Anyone who tries to change the polarity of homosexual or transsexual people with " conversion therapy" may be imprisoned for up to one year in the future. The Bundestag passed a bill on Thursday evening that makes it illegal to offer, advertise or mediate such treatments. Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) saw the new law as an important signal for the acceptance of gays and lesbians in Germany. 

Success! The Bundestag has just decided! ️‍

"Homosexuality is not a disease! The only sick and now officially illegal is to pretend people that their sexuality can be treated away! “Writes petition starter @LucasHawrylak pic.twitter.com/QDu60AvW0a

Success! The Bundestag has just decided! ️‍

"Homosexuality is not a disease! The only sick and now officially illegal is to pretend people that their sexuality can be treated away! “Writes petition starter @LucasHawrylak pic.twitter.com/QDu60AvW0a

The controversial therapies caused a lot of suffering, Spahn said on Thursday. "Where there is no disease, no therapy is needed." The law expresses "that we accept everyone as they are," added the Minister of Health. 

Bundestag decides: "Conversion" of homosexuals prohibited in Germany

The conversion therapies aim to change or "cure" a person's homosexual orientation and to convert it into heterosexual or asexual behavior. They give the impression that homosexuality is a disease that needs to be corrected. 

The draft law stipulates that controversial therapies are generally prohibited for people under the age of 18. The ban should also apply in principle if adults are subject to a "lack of will" - for example through deception, error, coercion or threat. This is the case, for example, if someone is misled about the therapeutic benefits or not sufficiently informed about the risks. Offering, promoting or arranging such treatments is prohibited.

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