Responding to the news that the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy is unlikely to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding to protect transgender and asexual people from Conversion Therapy (sometimes referred to as Reparative Therapy.) [1]
Green Party Equalities (LGBTIQ) Spokesperson Aimee Challenor said;
“It is disappointing to hear that the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy are unlikely to sign this vital Memorandum of Understanding that will protect Trans, and Asexual people from dangerous Conversion Therapy. These people face an enormous amount of pressure from society and many turn to medical professionals for psychological support. The last thing they need is more pressure from these medical professionals.
“No rigorous scientific studies demonstrate any efficacy of efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity. However, there are many testimonies about the severe harm to mental and physical health that such “services” can cause. There have been a growing number of reports about degrading treatments, and physical and sexual harassment under the guise of “therapies”. Sadly, without a clear lead from their professional body, it is likely that this will continue, deepening the wounds for trans people seeking their help”.
“The Green Party supports calls for Conversion Therapy on Transgender, and Asexual people to be banned. I am writing[2] to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, urging them to protect Trans and Asexual from the dagerous practice of Conversion Therapy by signing this revised Memorandum of Understanding, and to ensure that guidance on how to appropriately support trans and/or asexual people reaches those who most need it on the ground.”
Note to Editors:
Aimee Challenor is the Equalities (LGBTIQ) Spokesperson for the Green Party of England and Wales, she is also Chair of LGBTIQ Greens, and the Secretary for Coventry Pride, she also volunteers for National LGBT Charity- Stonewall, on their Trans Advisory Group. She has previously received a Stonewall Youth Volunteering Award for her work to tackle homophobia and transphobia in her community, and helped organise Coventry’s first Trans Day of Remembrance.
To interview our spokespeople please contact the Green Party press office: press@greenparty.org.uk
Phone: 020 7549 0315 (Journalists only)
[1] As disclosed by a former fellow of the BACP http://pinktherapyblog.com/2016/02/17/why-i-am-resigning-from-the-british-association-for-counselling-and-psychotherapy/
[2] http://thequeerness.com/2016/02/28/an-open-letter-to-the-bacp/
