David Gamez (27) fell victim to so-called ‘conversion therapy’ as a young adult. Such “therapies” aim to change the sexual orientation of LGBTQ people. It is not known how many of these conversion therapies are performed in Switzerland. They are often conducted by life coaches or evangelical ministers.
The National Council now wants to protect minors and young LGBTQ people against these conversions or ‘healing measures’. On Monday, the grand chamber passed a corresponding motion by its Legal Committee (RK-N) by 143 votes to 37, and 11 abstentions, demanding that the Federal Council create the corresponding sentencing standard. Advertising for conversion measures, intermediation and the provision of such measures should also be prohibited.
Extreme mental strain on those affected
However, accompanying conflicts with one’s own sexual orientation, medically indicated gender reassignment measures and therapies for sexual preferences should not be covered by the prohibition if they are criminally relevant. This refers to exhibitionism and paedosexuality.
These conversion therapies are banned in several countries and some Swiss cantons, while similar requests have been made in others. The RK-N insists on nationally uniform provisions in this regard. Basel’s FDP national councilor Patricia von Falkenstein (61) demanded on behalf of the majority of the committee that the Federal Council also base its work on the ban on foreign travel. Conversion measures are an extreme psychological burden for those affected.
The Federal Council opposed the ban
A minority around the Genevan SVP National Councilor Yves Nidegger (65) would have rejected the motion. Hardly anything is known about such therapies and their existence, Nidegger said, calling for first to await the Federal Council’s report on the subject ordered by Parliament.
The Federal Council also asked for a no. The requested ban is not possible at the federal level, said Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter (58). Individual conversion actions could already be punishable today, for example if personal freedom is restricted. The ordered report is being processed in her department.
The motion now goes to the Council of States. (bgs)