ONU recognizes Mexico for supporting the LGBT+ community after banning ‘conversion therapies’

The international organization congratulated the Federal Government because this puts an end to these practices that violate people’s human rights

During Pride Month, Mexico was praised by the United Nations (UN) after taking a step forward in protecting the integrity of people belonging to the LGBTI+ community after the Government, after years of struggle, declared ‘conversion therapies’ prohibited.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) highlighted the decision to eradicate this type of practice that violated several human rights of those involved after this law came into force during the first week of June.

Through a report on behalf of Luisa Cabal, regional director of the Latin America and the Caribbean division, the institution highlighted: “Mexico’s decision to end this harmful practice will contribute to guaranteeing public health. All countries should follow Mexico’s example.”

What does the law say?

After being ratified by the Chambers of Deputies and Senators, this new reform stipulated penalties ranging from two to six years in prison for those who carry out ‘sexual conversion therapies’, which seek to force people to change their gender identity or sexual orientation.

However, not only the alleged professionals who carry out these practices are contemplated to be punished, since those family members (father, mother or guardian) who participate in the violation of the rights of the victims will also be subject to a sanction that will be issued by a relevant judge.

The same case applies to those who try to get anyone into these ‘therapies’ using their employment, medical, teaching, domestic or any other power relationship, especially if it is a public function, they will be subject to disqualification and dismissal from their position for a period similar to the prison sentences.

They deny the success of these practices
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) determined in 1990 that homosexuality cannot be considered a disease and removed the term from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the fight to eradicate supposed ways of ‘curing’ members of the LGBTI+ community has advanced solidly.

In this sense, UNAIDS highlighted that health and human rights experts have already confirmed that ‘conversion therapies’ not only do not reverse people’s orientation but contribute to the generation of psychological disorders and it has even been documented that it can also cause physical damage to those who received the supposed treatment. In addition to this, they warn that there is no medical justification for sending patients to receive this alleged cure.

“Stigmatizing practices harm public health. Ensuring inclusion, acceptance and respect for the human rights of all people is vital to protect the health of each one. Stigma kills and solidarity saves lives,” added Cabal.

What are conversion therapies?

Also known as reparative therapies, they are pseudoscientific practices that seek to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. These therapies are based on the premise that homosexuality or non-cisnormative gender identity are pathologies that can be “cured.”

Most of the international medical and psychological community rejects these practices, considering them to lack scientific support and to cause significant psychological damage to those who undergo them. Various countries and states have implemented prohibitions to protect people, especially minors, from these methods.