Conversion Therapies: The EU Must Act Now
The ACT association has gathered over one million signatures to ban conversion therapies across Europe. It urges Commissioner Hadja Lahbib to take immediate action against practices recognised as torture.
A European association is demanding a ban on conversion therapies. It is called ACT, meaning Against Conversion Therapy. ACT has collected over one million signatures for its petition.
This petition seeks to ban conversion therapies across the entire European Union. These practices aim to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Health experts and organisations recognise them as torture.
ACT is appealing directly to Hadja Lahbib. She is the European Commissioner for Equality. The association urges her to act quickly and decisively. She must use her power to ban these practices in all member states.
Conversion therapies cause severe psychological trauma. They often affect young LGBTQ+ people. These young people are sometimes forced by their families or religious communities. The consequences can be devastating, including depression and suicide.
Today, some European countries have already banned these practices. France, Germany and Malta are among them. However, many other member states lack protective legislation. A common European law would protect all LGBTQ+ people across the continent.
One million signatures is a powerful signal. It shows European citizens want clear action. ACT hopes Hadja Lahbib will hear this call. A European directive could compel all countries to act together.
Human rights organisations support this demand. They stress these therapies lack any scientific basis. They don't "cure" anything, as homosexuality is not an illness. They only harm vulnerable people.
The European Commission now bears clear responsibility. It must protect LGBTQ+ citizens across Europe. One million voices demand justice. The time to act is now.