Researcher Heleen Schols from Regioplan stresses the importance of measures against not just 'conversion therapy', but also homo-, bi- and transphobia in general. "However, it is not a matter of getting there quickly. Ultimately it's about a culture shift, which necessitates a thorough set of coherent measures, aimed at creating an understanding and setting norms, among other things."
Difficult to have oversight of 'conversion therapies'
The Dutch Constitution protects persons against discrimination on the grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity. However, LGBTQI-persons are not yet accepted everywhere. Some closed cultural and religious communities try to repress or change someone's sexual orientation with so-called 'conversion therapy'.
Earlier research has shown that the phenomenon of 'conversion' is difficult to define precisely and that it is difficult to have oversight on 'conversion therapies' in closed communities. This does not lessen the political will to intervene. In order to gain more insight into possible methods to enable intervention, Regioplan and VU Amsterdam (on behalf of the Ministries of OCW and J&V) have researched further measures and regulations to prevent and combat this 'therapy'.
Education and support
VU theologian Lenneke Post explains why measures need to focus on creating understanding: “People who try to surpress, prohibit or change someone's sexual orientation, identity or expression, act from a deep conviction that they will help that person. By offering independent education, or by investing in a safe school climate and educational standards, you can show that these efforts to conversion have damaging effects in the psychological, social and relational spheres. Facilitating a interfaith dialogue or support from independent spiritual caregivers can also play an important role in creating mutual understanding."
Ban: backlash possible, still important
Even legal prohibition on 'conversion therapy' could be one of the measures, according to the research. Former VU theologian Leon van den Broeke states: "A legal ban could help enact a cultural change in religious communities. However, said ban could also have an adverse effect, especially in closed communities where such a strict measure could strengthen mistrust in the government. It will reinforce the idea that the government tries to install a backdoor on their religion, despite the right to freedom of religion. This idea forms a breeding ground for conspiracy theories, apocalypticism, and further retreat into the religious turf. Conversion will happen more covertly."
Lenneke adds: "Furthermore, here in the Netherlands attempts to repress, prohibit or change someone's sexual orientation, identity or expressions are mostly hidden and subtle. These are the forms of conversion you have to tackle. However, it is still necessary to combat conversion! We have researched what could work aside from a ban."
Heleen: "And don't forget, a ban on 'conversion therapy' can have huge symbolic value. Foreign case studies - where we spoke with policy officers and representatives from LGBTQI+-organisations - show that a ban can be extremely meaningful as a show of support for LGBTQI+ people. For them, it is important to know that the government supports them and that a clear line is drawn."