The Order of Psychologists in Albania, decided today to stop the conversion therapy that psychologists in the country applied to LGBTI people, making our country one of the first countries in Europe where such therapies have been banned. This decision is especially important for LGBTI teens, whose parents often force their children to undergo conversion therapy in the hope of changing their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The decision was taken at the request of the PINK Embassy in Albania, the country's leading LGBTI rights organization, which works to establish new and contemporary standards in the institutional approach to LGBTI rights. The PINK Embassy has long viewed with concern the use of conversion therapy in Albania, as its effects have been extremely negative on the health and emotional well-being of those entering therapy.
Although reports of the use of such therapies in Albania have been small in number, allowing them has been a serious concern, especially for the physical and emotional well-being of LGBTI youth. Conversion therapy is a therapy used by psychologists and involves any attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expressions.
Data from other countries show that people who have had this therapy are 8.4 times more likely to commit suicide; 5.9 times more exposed to high levels of depression; 3.4 times more likely to use illegal substances.
The decision comes on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), which is celebrated every May 17 in over 170 countries around the world. He places the Order of Psychologist in Albania in the group of avant-garde institutions, not only in defense of the human rights of the LGBTI community. There are only 5 countries in Europe that have banned the development of conversion therapy: Spain, Switzerland, Malta, the United Kingdom and Germany. Albania is already the 6th country to apply the ban on conversion therapy.
Despite the fact that Albania has made progress over the years in protecting the rights of the community, prejudice, discrimination and domestic violence are present in the lives of many LGBTI people. Social attitudes towards the LGBT community in Albania are generally negative and among the most unfavorable at the European level.
Some data on the LGBTI community in Albania, based on observations by Gallup, NDI and the PINK Embassy:
- 94% of Albanians would not support their child if they found out that he belonged to the LGBTI community;
- 53% of Albanians believe that “homosexuals and lesbians should not be free to live the life they want;
- 1 in 3 LGBTI people is a victim of physical violence in the family;
- 66% of Albanian teachers are silent in the face of bullying in schools based on homophobia and transphobia;
- 70% of teachers in Albania state that they would not support their children if they are LGBTI;
- 56% of Albanians think that a homosexual should not enjoy public office;
- 25% of Albanian administration employees think that LGBTI people should have services in addition to other people.