This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
No matter how its proponents try to market it, the fact remains that there is no evidence that conversion "therapy" can change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. On the contrary, it is well known for harming patients' mental, and sometimes even physical, health.
The "sources of distress" that LGBT individuals face are from those who encourage or force them to hide and suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The question is not one of self-determination, but rather whether you think "medical professionals" have the right to push malpractice and fraud. These quacks only seek to "move beyond ... legislation and litigation" because legislation and litigation only serve to show them as the snake oil salesmen that they are.
There is no obligation to respect the "spiritual and other ideological values of individuals and communities" when those values only cause harm.
Perry Fawcett
Magna