The recent enactment of Uganda’s Anti-gay law by President Yoweri Museveni has sparked widespread condemnation across Africa. Considered as one of the most stringent anti-homosexuality legislations on the continent, the proposed inclusion of conversion therapy as a means to “cure” homosexuality raises serious concerns.
Conversion therapy, also referred to as rehabilitation or “ex-gay” therapy, encompasses a range of practices aimed at altering an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices include psychotherapy, medication, electroshock therapy, exorcism, and in some disturbing cases, corrective rape. The devastating impact of conversion therapy extends to causing psychological trauma and harm to the LGBTQI+ community.
A 2018 study revealed that individuals from the LGBTQI+ community subjected to conversion therapy exhibited higher levels of depression and suicidal behavior compared to those who did not undergo such treatment. This underscores the grave implications of conversion therapy, highlighting how it violates the fundamental human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly their right to health and freedom from ill-treatment.
Advocates of conversion therapy argue that it offers support to LGBTQI+ individuals struggling with their identity. However, the detrimental effects of conversion therapy, including lifelong trauma and increased risk of suicide, far outweigh any purported benefits.
Moreover, conversion therapy is not only cruel and invasive but also entails degrading treatments such as torture and rape. For instance, queer women are often subjected to corrective rape in an attempt to forcibly alter their sexuality, violating their rights to autonomy, dignity, and freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment.
The harmful practices of conversion therapy encompass shaming, aversion therapy, as well as religious and cultural indoctrination, inflicting significant emotional harm. Numerous reputable medical and mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Medical Association, have condemned conversion therapy due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy.
While several countries such as France, Spain, and Cyprus have prohibited conversion therapy, no African country has taken this crucial step. It is imperative for Uganda to reconsider its anti-homosexuality law, which not only contravenes the Ugandan constitution’s promise of protection and fair representation for minority groups but also promotes violence against the LGBTQI+ community.
In light of this, esteemed African mental health experts and leading health agencies such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Africa Health Organisation should strongly condemn Uganda’s endorsement of conversion practices. Issuing public declarations will help raise awareness and stimulate conversations on this critical issue. Additionally, prominent continental human rights organizations, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Centre for Human Rights Africa, should conduct evidence-based research on the ramifications of conversion therapy and organize awareness campaigns to shed light on its detrimental impact.
It is essential for the Ugandan government to redirect its focus towards protecting the LGBTQI+ community, who face relentless discrimination and violence on a daily basis, rather than attempting to forcibly alter their sexual orientation. The anti-gay law warrants reconsideration, and concerted efforts must be made to safeguard the rights and well-being of all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation.
The author is a writing fellow at African Liberty.
