Advocacy & Policy:

IPsyNet's Declaration Against Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression (SOGIE) Conversion Practices 

This declaration was developed by the IPsyNet Policy Committee starting in May 2023, incorporating input from representatives across 12 countries. It builds on established positions from leading professional psychological and mental health associations worldwide, including the Academy of Science of South Africa, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the European Association for Psychotherapy, the European Psychiatric Association, the Hong Kong Psychological Society, the Psychological Association of the Philippines, and the Psychological Society of South Africa, as well as extensive peer-reviewed psychological literature. 

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The statement clearly defines SOGIE conversion practices as any systematic efforts—whether psychological, behavioral, medical, or spiritual—to alter, suppress, or eliminate an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These practices, often referred to as “conversion therapy” or “reparative therapy,” include a range of interventions that assume non-heterosexual orientations or non-cisgender identities are pathological or undesirable. 

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Why does this matter? Decades of psychological science demonstrate that SOGIE conversion practices: 

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1. Constitute human rights abuses, frequently manifesting as forms of violence and, in some cases, amounting to torture. 

2. Cause significant harm and trauma, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidality among those subjected to them. 

3. Impose societal, cultural, or religious stigmas, perpetuating discrimination against sexual and gender diverse individuals. 

4. Contradict best practices in affirmative psychological and mental health care, which emphasize acceptance, support, and empowerment. 

5. Lack scientific validity, and are not grounded in authoritative scholarly theories of sexuality and gender diversity. 

6. Violate ethical principles and contravene internationally accepted professional codes of practice. 

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This declaration represents a growing global consensus grounded in evidence, affirming that LGBTIQ+ identities and expressions are inherent aspects of human diversity that do not require intervention. Endorsing the declaration will help protect the mental and physical health of sexual and gender diverse people, inform public policy, and counter harmful misinformation. 

Suggested citation

International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Issues. (2026). Declaration against sexual orientation and gender identity/expression (SOGIE) conversion practices. IPsyNet. Retrieved from https://www.ipsynet.org/policy/conversion-declaration

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Note: PDFs of the PsyNet Statement and Commitment are updated with additional endorsements as they become available, with the URLs remaining the same.

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Available languages​​​

• English (PDF, 443KB)