From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, today announced the publication of research into conversion practices, ‘An Exploration of Conversion Therapy Practices in Ireland’, conducted by a team from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Access the research report.
The research provides an insight into how conversion therapy practices operate in Ireland. It also includes an examination of the growing body of recent international research literature in the area. It confirms the harm that is inflicted on those who experience such practices.
Announcing the report’s publication, Minister O’Gorman said:
“Conversion practices are cruel processes, rooted in shame and stigma, which seek to change a person’s sexual orientation or their gender identity. The impact of which can have long-lasting harmful consequences on a person, especially those who are subjected to such dangerous practices at a young age.
"Every LGBTI+ person deserves to feel safe from harm in Ireland, be accepted for who they are, and be supported to live full and equal lives. That is why the government is moving to introduce a ban on conversion practices, which seek to further prejudice and suppress the lives of LGBTI+ people, and place shame on our difference.
"I welcome the research published today which represents an important step towards legislating for a ban on conversion practices. Legislating to prohibit conversion practices is a continuance of the State’s assertion of the equal dignity of LGBTI+ persons and is a priority for me.”
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate to end the practice of conversion therapy. This overarching commitment is reflected in Ireland’s national LGBTI+ Strategies. Action 8(b) in the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018 – 2020 provides for the prohibition of “the promotion or practice of conversion therapy by health professionals in Ireland” and the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2022 commits to ensuring that the practice of conversion therapy in Ireland is investigated and followed up with appropriate counter measures (Action 24.1).