In an earlier version of the case, the title was that 47 percent of religious queers have experienced attempts at “homotherapy”. The correct thing is that 1 in 4 have experienced attempts to do this, while 47 per cent have experienced situations where someone has tried to change or influence their sexual orientation or gender identity. news apologizes for the error. Conversion therapy is taking place in Norway, concludes the recent report. Both in religious and secular contexts, and by persons with different positions and affiliations. Religious queers have many negative experiences and negative encounters in religious contexts that are linked to sexual orientation and gender identity, the report states. Those who were interviewed were asked whether they have experienced situations where someone has tried to change or influence sexual orientation or gender identity. 47 percent answered yes. At the same time, one in four answered that they had experienced actions that could be understood as conversion therapy. It can be intercession, soul care, humbling conversations, being publicly reprimanded or exorcism. Descriptions such as a prayer meeting where all participants must get rid of “unclean thoughts”, accusations of being possessed by the devil, or offers to be sent to a camp to be “cured”, appear in the report. In June, the government put forward a proposal to ban conversion therapy. Together with the Queer Christian Network and Salam, the organization FRI organized a demonstration against conversion therapy in front of the Storting in 2019. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB Faith is still important Despite attempts to change sexual orientation, it emerges that faith, religion and religious networks are important for many religious queers, even after they break with the environment or the religious community. Eight out of ten respond that they currently have a religious affiliation with Christianity. Six out of ten insisted that they have experienced discrimination, bullying, or been violated in a religious environment now or in the past. Commissioned by the Directorate for Children, Youth and Families (Bufdir), Nordland Research and the University of Western Norway have collaborated on the project. First Norwegian report The report consists of a survey with 253 people, and 17 in-depth interviews with people aged 19–74. Most are Christians. There is also a preponderance of male, white, gay cis-persons. They have been asked about: Experiences of being queer and religious Coming out as queer How conversion therapy is practiced Image of God and religious community This is the first Norwegian report on the topic. – The report is the first of its kind in Norway. It depicts queers’ experiences with conversion therapy, and shows, for example, what kind of consequences these actions have for those who are exposed to them. That’s according to department director in Bufdir, Anna Bjørshol. Anna Bjørshol, department director in the Directorate for Children, Youth and Families (Bufdir), who is behind the report. Photo: Ida Yasin Andersen/news “Sind” Several of those who responded to the survey describe growing up where homosexuality was referred to as “sin”. Despite that, several people tell their families about positive experiences with “coming out”. Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery (Ap) says it hurts to hear about people who are not allowed to be who they are. Photo: Marit Hommedal / NTB – It hurts to read stories about people who are refused to be who they are in religious communities. This is according to Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery (Ap). – The report shows at the same time that faith, religion and religious networks are important to many queer people, says the minister. Several describe that they have suppressed their own sexual orientation and gender identity. Either in the face of homophobia or transphobia, or because of fear of this. Strong impressions The findings also make a deep impression on Grunde Almeland in Venstre, who is the chairperson in the processing of the proposal to ban conversion therapy. Almeland says it is important to get the ban in place. Grunde Almeland (V) is leader of the family and culture committee at the Storting. Photo: William Jobling / news – When several people say that the consequences of being exposed to conversion therapy range from anxiety and depression to suicide attempts, it makes a strong impression on me. This report establishes how important it is that we now put in place a ban on conversion therapy: – It cannot be the case that many people should feel that it is a sin and impossible to be queer and religious at the same time, he says.
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1 in 4 religious queers have experienced attempts at “homotherapy” – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
