Sexual Orientation Change Efforts, Conservative Christianity and Resistance to Sexual Justice

Social Sciences

Rob Clucas¹ 

[1] School of Law and Politics, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK;

关键词: sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE);    conversion therapy;    homosexuality;    LGBT;    autonomy;    science;    Christianity;    NARTH;    Core Issues Trust;    Pickup v Brown;   

DOI  :  10.3390/socsci6020054

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In this article, I situate the practice of sexual orientation conversion efforts (SOCE), sometimes known as conversion or reparative therapy, within historical, cultural, religious and political attitudes to non-heterosexuality. Using documentary analysis, I investigate the contemporary resistance of two socially conservative organizations: National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) (US) and Core Issues Trust (UK), to legal and professional regulation of the sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) which they advocate. A number of themes emerged from the various documentation. The most convincing of these themes is a claim that to provide SOCE is to respect client’s autonomy rights to diminish unwanted sexual attraction, and to live in accordance with the moral principles that they value. I demonstrate that neither NARTH nor Core Issues Trust are consistent in their regard for client autonomy. I suggest that the most plausible reason for these organizations’ emphasis on autonomy and other secular tropes, such as scientific proof and progressive language, is that they provide a smokescreen for conservative Christian values. If we value a world of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) rights and recognition, we must counter this backlash against sexual and social justice.

【 授权许可】

Unknown