The Netherlands has about fifteen therapists and organizations that try to 'cure' homosexuals. How often this happens exactly cannot be said. These healers do not present themselves as such on the internet, for example.

It is clear that this kind of attempt at 'homo-healing' can cause a lot of psychological damage, with serious consequences, up to depression and suicide. Particularly in certain Orthodox religious communities (including evangelical and Pentecostal churches, but also within Islam) there is discouragement or suppression of non-heterosexual feelings. Some therefore remain 'in the closet' for years. In some communities, homosexuality is seen as a demon that must be "driven out".

These are the main results of a study carried out by the agencies Beke and Ateno into homosexual therapies and which Minister De Jonge sent to the House of Representatives tonight. The House had urged such an investigation out of concern for young and vulnerable LGBT people in particular who are exposed to this 'conversion therapy'.

If it is up to the House, homosexuality is made a criminal offense . Whether that makes sense and, if so, how such a legal ban should be designed, will only be discussed in a second part of the study. That will be completed soon. Read more via NOS