Victims of 'Conversion Therapy' Demand Government Apology

Survivors of controversial electric shock therapy, once used to attempt to alter their sexuality, are calling on the UK government to apologize and launch a thorough investigation into these historical practices. The BBC's investigation revealed that over 260 individuals, primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, were subjected to discredited aversion therapy in NHS hospitals, leaving many with lasting physical and emotional trauma.

Norman Goodman, 75, recounted his experience of being admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Manchester in the late 1960s at the age of 18. He described being strapped to a bed and given electric shocks while images associated with same-sex attraction were shown to him, a process he said doctors claimed would help him. "I didn't realise it was to knock the homosexuality out of my brain," he told the BBC, describing the experience as "absolutely terrible" and leaving him feeling weak, frightened, and disoriented.

Debbie Burley shared the story of her grandfather, Arthur James Emberton, who underwent electric shock aversion therapy in 1965 after being charged with indecent assault for kissing a boy. Though he was a respected businessman, the conviction led to his divorce, removal from his family business, and a life of isolation. "As an adult, I now understand the enormous injustice done to him," Burley stated, highlighting the shame he carried throughout his life. "He was wronged by the state, the medical system and the attitudes of the time."

Another survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted being referred for electric shock treatment in his late teens after his parents sought medical help for his attraction to men. He described the weekly treatments over two years as "terrible," leaving him feeling like a "zombie" and waking up crying. Despite assurances from doctors that the treatment would "straighten him out," it did not alter his feelings and left him feeling "broken."

Most individuals subjected to this therapy were men, but records indicate that women and children were also affected, often referred by family, schools, churches, or the courts. Hel Spandler, Professor of Mental Health Studies at the University of Lancashire, suggested that the reported figure of 260 is likely a conservative estimate, believing "considerably more LGBT people were affected." Spandler noted that homosexuality and gender identity were considered mental disorders at the time, and aversion therapy was one of many "treatments" employed. "For over a decade it was an accepted practice in the NHS," Spandler added, with dedicated suites in major cities across England.

Survivors are advocating for a comprehensive ban on all forms of conversion therapy and an investigation into historic practices. While the government has stated it is drafting legislation to ban aversion therapy, concerns have been raised by some religious groups about the distinction between harmful conversion practices and pastoral care. The Draft Conversion Practices Bill defines conversion practice as any action intended to make individuals change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The government acknowledged the "abhorrent historical practices" and expressed determination to ensure transparency. "We are also taking action through our draft legislation published in June to ensure that all so-called conversion practices are banned for good," a spokesperson stated.