Opposing Conversion Therapy and Other Religious Redirective Practices for Persons Who are LGBTQI

WHEREAS, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexual and asexual citizens are subjected to coercion, discrimination and hardships stemming from misinformation, prejudices and homophobia; and

WHEREAS, credible studies have indicated that there are biological indices that determine sexual orientation and gender identification; and

WHEREAS, some extreme religious sectors believe that sexuality, asexuality and/or gender identity can be redirected through so-called "conversion therapy" and other adverse practices and, to this end, have established archaic and inhumane methods targeted at redirecting a person to become what the institution feels to be "straight" or "normal"; and

WHEREAS, these extreme approaches are harmful, both mentally and physically, to the individuals who are subjected to them.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ("NAACP") opposes the use of conversion therapy and other unscientific practices which undermine and violate the civil and constitutional rights of the LGBTQIA community.