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Wayne Besen
PO Box 25491
Brooklyn, NY 11202
Truth Wins Out applauded the Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) today for condemning "reparative therapy" -- a fringe and discredited practice that claims to "cure" homosexuality.
"The actions taken by the Irish Association of Social Workers will save lives," said Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out. "So-called 'reparative therapy' is nothing more than stereotypes disguised as science. This false doctrine is promoted by ideologues that twist science to fit their sectarian views."
"There is no evidence that conversion therapy is effective, though there is evidence of mental health risks associated with the use of such approaches with gay, lesbian or bisexual people," Declan Coogan, a spokesperson for the IASW told the Irish Examiner.
At its conference, IASW delegates voted to oppose use of reparative therapy in Ireland. Mr Coogan said IASW discouraged social workers from making referrals to agencies that claim to "cure" homosexuality.
Last month the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Britain issued a statement saying there was no sound scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed. It also criticized "so-called treatments of homosexuality" as recommended by NARTH, the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.
"It is encouraging to see a worldwide rejection of the quack-like theories promoted by NARTH," said Besen. "This disreputable organization is on the far-reaching fringe of acceptable medical and mental health practices."
8 Comments:
What, Irish Social Workers. Those folks get drunk in a pub and make outrageous public statements. Any reputable therapist will tell you that reparative therapy can work.
posted by Jeff Winter, at
5/05/2009 5:11 PM
Surprisingly, most gays in NYC agree with you, Rev. Protestant.
posted by Joey, at
5/05/2009 11:23 PM
P.S.- Agree with your Eirophobia (not about ex-gay therapy).
posted by Joey, at
5/05/2009 11:25 PM
You mean Europhobia?! BTW, the previous 3 posts don't make any sense?!?!
posted by Anonymous, at
5/07/2009 9:33 AM
Jeff, please name the "reputable" therapists. Every major medical and mental health agency warns against ex-gay therapy. So, I'm not sure which therapists you are referring to.
posted by Wayne Besen, at
5/07/2009 12:40 PM
No, I did mean Eirophobia (anti-Irish Catholic hatred). More rare in the U.S. than it used to be, but still there.
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5/07/2009 6:40 PM
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5/18/2009 9:42 PM
