British Medical Association condemns counselling homosexuals

The British Medical Association (BMA) has passed a motion condemning any therapy given to individuals who may wish to re-orientate from their homosexuality.

The motion, proposed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Gay and Lesbian Mental Health Special Interest Group, claimed that such counselling was harmful, and called upon the Royal College of Psychiatrists to ban such counselling in their codes of practice. The motion also encouraged health departments to resist NHS funding for such counselling.

There was widespread media attention last February when Patrick Strudwick, a homosexual journalist, posed as a Christian desiring such counselling and secretly recorded two therapy sessions with a Christian therapist. He then produced an article for the Independent condemning the practice and accusing the therapist of imposing her Christian values on him. She is currently defending herself against a formal complaint made by Mr. Strudwick, who described the BMA’s vote as “a watershed moment in the struggle for gay equality.”

There is currently no body of evidence to suggest that such therapy is harmful.

Andrea Minichiello Williams commented: “Those offering counselling for homosexual orientation have been increasingly targeted by the homosexual lobby. It is important that we defend the rights of individuals to choose to receive the help that they need in this area, and also to defend the rights of therapists to continue to help people without harassment.”

The Independent - article on BMA motion

The Independent – Patrick Strudwick article