Brazil Psychologist Encourages Reparative Therapy Law for Homosexuals, Gay Activists Disagree
Homosexual activists last week disrupted a meeting being held at Brazil's Chamber of Deputies over legislation being proposed that would allow for the legal psychological treatment of gays.
Currently it is against the law for homosexuals who wish to change their orientation to actively seek treatment from a professional. That activity is also prohibited by the country's Federal Council of Psychology (CFP). The CFP, unlike other psychology organizations, has the power to prevent psychologists from practicing if its rules are violated.
The law that is currently being debated is known as Legislative Decree 234/11 and is commonly referred by the liberal groups as the "gay cure" bill.
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The new proposal would also enact powers that would supersede the CFP regulation that prohibits psychologists from publicly speaking negatively about homosexuality and sexual orientation.
Psychologist Marisa Lobo addressed lawmakers in defense of homosexuals who want to receive treatment for their condition and noted that the current prohibition of reparative therapy for homosexuals, imposed by the CFP: "injure the autonomy of the patient, because it prohibits treatment for homosexuals."
Lobo added that as a psychologist she had a responsibility to "listen to that psychological suffering" for those seeking help.
Those comments drew considerable criticism from homosexual activists listening intently to her statements, who began to shout names at Lobo such as labeling her as "homophobic" and a "fundamentalist," according to the Correio de Bahia newspaper.
This did not dissuade Lobo, who was reportedly heard saying: "Everyone in the world who disagrees with you, you call 'homophobic,'" as reported by the Correio de Bahia newspaper.
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recognizes the category of "Egodystonic homosexuality" as those individuals who suffer from undesired same-sex attraction while also recognizing the use of therapy in such cases.
The WHO also recognizes "sexual relationship disorder," in which a person's sexual orientation inhibits existing relationships.
