NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) has passed a resolution opposing so-called “conversion therapy,” which overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates is neither medically nor ethically appropriate and can cause substantial harm, especially when practiced on young people.
‘Conversion therapy’ generally refers to any practices by mental health providers that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The approach has been condemned by members of the medical and mental health communities, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the World Health Association, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Counseling Association.
“Reform Judaism has long recognized that the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities is something to be celebrated and affirmed, not a condition to be treated,” said Rabbi Steven A. Fox, the Chief Executive of the CCAR. “The Reform Rabbinate has long been at the forefront of advocating for full equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals and the extension of protection of individuals of all ages.”
President Obama recently released a statement calling for an end to conversion therapy for minors. CCAR’s Resolution “joins President Obama’s call for laws to be enacted in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, banning so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for LGBTQ Americans under the age of 18.”
