French bishop denies promoting banned gay conversion therapies
rfi.frSOS homophobie says these conditions are discriminatory for homosexual couples and akin to "legitimising" conversion therapies.Sometimes called sexual reorientation therapies, conversion refers to a set of pseudo-scientific treatments with the controversial goal of attempting to change one's sexual orientation.This practice is prohibited in France."It’s a form of injunction to change one’s sexual orientation as if it were a choice," Véronique Godet, co-president of SOS homophobie told FranceInfo on Monday.According to her, bishop Aillet's directions concerning homosexual people were "both hurtful and reductive".She is particularly critical of the fact that "each person should be received "individually," rather than as a couple.Separating the couple is a "denial of its existence", Godet says, adding it was designed to "weaken" either partner.The bishop's office told FranceInfo that Aillet’s note had been misinterpreted."It is not a question of conversion therapy, but of a reference to the Gospel which invites all believers to change direction to take the right path," Aillet's office said.In a historic move, the Vatican announced on 18 December that it now authorises the blessing of "unmarried, divorced and homosexual couples".Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morningKeep up to date with international news by downloading the RFI app.
