Swiss Catholic Bishops Call for a Ban on Conversion Therapy

The Swiss Bishops’ Conference (SBK) has advocated for a legal ban on conversion therapy for LGBT people in Switzerland. The organization published a statement on the portal Katholisch.de amid parliamentary debates on banning practices aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.

The bishops described attempts to change orientation as “deliberate manipulation”. The document states that such methods often rely on pressure, accusations, threats, isolation, humiliation, or religious fear. According to the authors, in a religious context, conversion therapy can become “spiritual abuse”. The SBK stated that these practices violate human dignity and are incompatible with Catholic pastoral care.

At the same time, the bishops called for a legal distinction between conversion therapy and pastoral counseling. They asked for a clear definition of “reorientation practices” in the future law so as not to criminalize professional psychotherapy and “open, respectful conversations”. The bishops emphasized that counseling remains legitimate if it protects personal integrity and excludes pressure. The SBK added that vulnerable individuals need easy access to support and complaint procedures.

The position was supported by references to Catholic social teaching. The document asserts that respect for personal integrity is a fundamental right, and people must be protected from coercion. The authors referred to a homily by Pope Leo XIV from May 2025, where the pontiff spoke about the Church’s mission to promote unity while respecting each person’s history.

Differing Positions of Catholic Structures

The statement of the Swiss bishops contrasts with the position of Catholic hierarchs in the US. Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court sided with a Christian psychotherapist from Colorado. She challenged a state law banning conversion therapy for LGBT minors, citing freedom of speech. In court, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Colorado Catholic Conference, and the Catholic University of America supported the psychotherapist.

Catholic LGBT organizations opposed conversion therapy in this case. Representatives of New Ways Ministry criticized the court’s decision. They pointed out that the medical community considers conversion therapy not only ineffective but also a dangerous practice that leads to psychological trauma and suicide.