Greece bans LGBTQ conversion remedy

A huge rainbow flag is seen in entrance of the parliament constructing throughout a gay pride parade in Athens, Greece June 10, 2017. REUTERS/Costas Baltas

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ATHENS, Could 10 (Reuters) - Greece on Wednesday banned conversion remedy for minors, a practice geared toward suppressing an individual's sexual orientation or gender id and which the lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and trans community worldwide, as well as well being experts, have condemned as dangerous.

Under the invoice, which Greece's parliament accredited, psychologists or other health professionals need a person's explicit consent to perform such therapy and face fines and a jail term in the event that they violate the law.

The government has drafted a nationwide technique that runs till 2025 on reforms promoting gender equality in Greece, a largely conservative nation. Canada, New Zealand and France criminalized conversion remedy earlier this 12 months.

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"There have been some false treatments that stated that when a minor has chosen a unique sexual orientation, his parents may supposedly proceed with 'remedies' for this baby to 'return to normality'", Well being Minister Thanos Plevris told parliament this week.

"Clearly these remedies not solely aren't a remedy however they are not supported scientifically," the minister mentioned.

The bill also bans promoting such practices.

Plevris added that Greece additionally plans to ban surgeries on intersex infants and babies born with atypical chromosomes that have an effect on their reproductive anatomy in a manner that doesn't fit with the normative definition of male or feminine.

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Reporting by Renee Maltezou Enhancing by Invoice Berkrot

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