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(Miami, Florida) A report released Thursday
says that the so-called ex-gay movement is turning from attempting to convert
gay adults to heterosexuality and is now focusing on gay teens.
Called 'Youth in the Crosshairs' the report was
prepared by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. It says that groups such as
Exodus International and Focus on the Family now recommend
"prevention" and conversion therapy "treatments".
Such efforts have been discredited by medical
experts including the American Psychiatric Association and the American
Psychological Association.
In targeting teens the report says
"ex-gay" groups are targeting parents.
"Whether through ex-gay teen programs or
traveling ex-gay conferences like Focus on the Family's Love Won Out ex-gay
programs are recommending that parents commit their children to treatment of 'prehomosexuality'
even if it is against their children's wishes. Heterosexual youth are also being
recruited in schools and churches to spread the message that homosexuality is a
treatable mental illness," the report says.
"One of the most disturbing accounts in this
report is a case involving a 5-year-old boy who was subjected to conversion
therapy to address 'prehomosexuality.' The case involves a psychologist who
claims that his theories and treatments are scientific," said study
co-author Jason Cianciotto, the Policy Institute's research director. "To
the contrary, conversion therapy is opposed by nearly every medical and mental
health professional association, including the American Academy of
Pediatrics."
A study of 202 former conversion therapy clients
published in 2002 reported that 176 participants experienced significant harm,
including depression, social isolation, low self-esteem, internalized homophobia
and even attempted suicide. The study also found ethical concerns and
violations, including the use of false and prejudicial information disguised as
science to convince clients that they needed treatment.
"It is morally repugnant and downright
dangerous the way these extremists demonize young people and prey on the fears
of parents through their so-called ex-gay programs," said Matt Foreman,
executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "This report
exposes the extent to which these zealots will go, including reformulating their
ex-gay snake oil at the expense of vulnerable children and young adults."
The report was released in Miami in conjunction
with the Winter Party Festival which the NGLT sponsors.
©365Gay.com 2006
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