Joint statement
Core Issues Trust
and
The International Federation for Therapeutic
and Counselling Choice
Efforts to regulate counselling and psychotherapeutic work are necessary in any society that cares for its people. We fully support those who wish to eradicate unsafe practices and to warn against the use of modalities and techniques that may harm vulnerable persons. We should be united in our efforts to support both LGBT and former LGBT persons.
Core Issues Trust together with the International Federation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC) has consistently encouraged[1] the UK Government to consider regulation rather than prohibition of therapeutic choice. We welcome the Government’s efforts in addressing this issue and in outlawing harmful practices such as electro-shock and coercive, aversion therapy.
The UK’s Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy was developed without consultation with dissenting groups. Its precepts have been imposed on all lay and professional citizens. Groups that recognise sexual rather than gender fluidity such as Core Issues Trust, were excluded from discussions that formulated this document. This has led to ideological domination rather than consensus on scientific fundamentals.
The simple fact is we live in a world of diverse ideologies and cultural practices. Banning and criminalising will not eliminate poor therapy. We call on the Government to ensure that in future its LGBT advisors are representative of different ideological, religious, non-religious and cultural perspectives rather than becoming a monoculture that leads to dogma and viewpoint discrimination.
Core Issues Trust is available to assist the Government in achieving the highest standards of support for men and women experiencing same-sex attraction and gender confusion.
Issued 11 March 2021
Further information
Dr Mike Davidson 07833098998
