According to the American Psychological Association (and Ted Haggard), sexual orientation is not something that can be repaired:
Last week, the American Psychological Association (APA) invited its 150,000 members to no longer tell clients who would like to change their sexual orientation that treatment might achieve that. This new scientific – and ethical – position results from an intensive and extensive examination of the studies conducted on this question over the last 40 years.
An APA research committee concluded, in fact, that no evidence demonstrates that “corrective (reparative) therapy” or any other attempt to change sexual orientation is effective. Professionals close to conservative religious sects maintained that such therapy exists and produces results. These counselors were reproached with playing into the hands of a reactionary morality. They will now have to question themselves about the value of that practice.
Not only does the APA warn its members against that “treatment,” but it also advises them to no longer present homosexuality as an illness or a problem of personal development. That position, supported by the organization’s senior leadership, will undoubtedly not be held unanimously by all psychologists.
In other news, you can’t stamp-out straight either.
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