Iceland has passed a law banning conversion therapy, a widely discredited practice that seeks to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
University of Iceland students take part in the Reykjavík Pride parade on August 17, 2019 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Sophia Groves/Getty Images)
So-called conversion therapy relies on the assumption that sexual orientation or gender identity can be changed or “cured.”
Participants during the Reykjavík Pride parade on August 17, 2019 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Sophia Groves/Getty Images)
Some of these techniques include talk and behavioral therapy and medical treatments.
Participants hold signs during the Reykjavík Pride parade on August 17, 2019 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Sophia Groves/Getty Images)
The practice has been rejected by medical associations, the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other rights groups, who say it causes harm to its victims and are calling for a global ban.
University of Iceland students take part in the Reykjavík Pride parade on August 17, 2019 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Sophia Groves/Getty Images)
The law was passed unanimously by Iceland’s parliament on Monday June 9.
Prime Minister of Iceland Katrin Jakobsdottir meets with British Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn in the Houses of Parliament on May 1, 2019 in London, England.(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
The new law makes it illegal for people to practice conversion therapy.
University of Iceland students take part in the Reykjavík Pride parade on August 17, 2019 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Sophia Groves/Getty Images)
People found guilty of practicing conversion therapy on adults may face up to three years in prison.
A drag queen smiles at the crowd during the Reykjavík Pride parade on August 17, 2019 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Sophia Groves/Getty Images)
The sentence extends up to five years for practicing conversion therapy on children.
Those who conduct the practices can also face up to two years in prison.
University of Iceland students take part in the Reykjavík Pride parade on August 17, 2019 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Sophia Groves/Getty Images)
Bans on conversion practices have been gaining momentum in the past few years.
Iceland now joins countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, France and Malta in banning the harmful practice.
