Albania Has Banned Gay ‘Conversion Therapy’ For Minors

Albania has become the third European country to introduce a ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for minors. The governing body of psychologists’ decision to ban the practice has been very well received by Albanian LGBT+ organisations, with the country’s main LGBT+ organisation Pink Embassy stating that the decision “places the Order of Psychologists in Albania at the forefront of the institutions respecting LGBTI rights.” 

The move is “significantly important for LGBTI adolescents, whose parents often force them to undergo conversion therapy, in the hope of changing their sexual orientation or gender identity," the Pink Embassy said, according to ‘ABC News’. 

Earlier this month Germany became the second country in Europe to ban conversion therapy for minors, following Malta. 

In 2010, conservative Albania passed a new law protecting gay rights, voting against discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, the LGBT+ community still face prejudice, discrimination and domestic violence in their everyday life. 

“Social attitudes towards the LGBT community are... among the most unfavourable at the European level,” the NGO said in its statement.

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