10 of the most significant moments for LGBTQ+ people in 2022 – Gay Times Magazine

Progress in banning so-called ‘conversion therapy’

January-December
‘Conversion therapy’ is an abhorrent practice which is typically defined as any attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexuality or gender identity, often involving techniques such as electroshock therapy or prayer. It has been widely condemned by health experts and bodies all over the world, including the National Health Service and the World Health Organisation, with some comparing it to torture. As of December 2022, 22 countries have bans on the harmful practice, with the year seeing huge strides in bringing an end to it entirely. Canada, France, New Zealand and Vietnam all introduced nationwide bans that came into effect this year, while Greece introduced legislation protecting minors from it in May. Elsewhere, Israel and Switzerland banned medical professionals from conducting ‘conversion therapy’ in February and August, respectively, and, in November, diagnosis by medical professionals was banned in Paraguay.