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Sexual Orientation Change Efforts, Conservative Christianity and Resistance to Sexual Justice

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  • Rob Clucas

    (School of Law and Politics, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK)

Abstract

In this article, I situate the practice of sexual orientation conversion efforts (SOCE), sometimes known as conversion or reparative therapy, within historical, cultural, religious and political attitudes to non-heterosexuality. Using documentary analysis, I investigate the contemporary resistance of two socially conservative organizations: National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) (US) and Core Issues Trust (UK), to legal and professional regulation of the sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) which they advocate. A number of themes emerged from the various documentation. The most convincing of these themes is a claim that to provide SOCE is to respect client’s autonomy rights to diminish unwanted sexual attraction, and to live in accordance with the moral principles that they value. I demonstrate that neither NARTH nor Core Issues Trust are consistent in their regard for client autonomy. I suggest that the most plausible reason for these organizations’ emphasis on autonomy and other secular tropes, such as scientific proof and progressive language, is that they provide a smokescreen for conservative Christian values. If we value a world of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) rights and recognition, we must counter this backlash against sexual and social justice.

Suggested Citation

  • Rob Clucas, 2017. "Sexual Orientation Change Efforts, Conservative Christianity and Resistance to Sexual Justice," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-49, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:6:y:2017:i:2:p:54-:d:99887
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christine M. Robinson & Sue E. Spivey, 2015. "Putting Lesbians in Their Place: Deconstructing Ex-Gay Discourses of Female Homosexuality in a Global Context," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-30, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stella Coyle, 2021. "The Queer, the Cross and the Closet: Religious Exceptions in Equality Law as State-Sponsored Homophobia," Laws, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Christine M. Robinson & Sue E. Spivey, 2019. "Ungodly Genders: Deconstructing Ex-Gay Movement Discourses of “Transgenderism” in the US," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-28, June.

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    1. Christine M. Robinson & Sue E. Spivey, 2019. "Ungodly Genders: Deconstructing Ex-Gay Movement Discourses of “Transgenderism” in the US," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-28, June.

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