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Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | The ban on conversion therapy for the LGBTQIA+ community” published in The Hindu on 6th September 2022
What is the News?
The National Medical Commission(NMC), the apex regulatory body of medical professionals in India has written to all State Medical Councils banning conversion therapy and calling it a “professional misconduct”.
What is Conversion Therapy?
What did the Madras High Court ruled on Conversion Therapy?
Madras High Court has given a landmark verdict on conversion therapy. It has issued several guidelines which include:
Firstly, it has prohibited any attempt to medically “cure” or change the sexual orientation of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or of any other orientation) people.
Secondly, it urged the authorities to take action against professionals involving themselves in any form or method of conversion therapy which could include the withdrawal of licence to practice medicine.
Thirdly, it has directed the police, for example, to close complaints of missing person cases without subjecting them to harassment if it found on investigation that the parties were consenting adults belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Fourthly, it has asked the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to draw up a list of NGOs and other groups which could handle the issues faced by the community.
Fifthly, it has directed the National Medical Commission to issue necessary official notification by enlisting ‘Conversion Therapy’ as a professional misconduct.
Lastly, it said that it is important to hold sensitisation programmes for an all-out effort to understand the community and its needs.
How can schools, colleges and medical professionals help in this?
Schools: Schools and colleges must bring changes in curricula for a better understanding of the community. Gender-neutral restrooms should be compulsory in educational institutes and other places.
Parents: Parents too need to be sensitized because the first point of misunderstanding and abuse often begins at home, with teenagers being forced to opt for “conversion” therapies.
Medical Professionals: Adults opting for sex reassignment surgeries need to get proper guidance like therapy pre and post-operation.
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