The director of the Commission on Civil Rights (CDC), Ever Padilla Ruiz, approved the legislative measure banning conversion therapies, which will go to public hearings on Wednesday and Friday in accordance with the legislative calendar.
“We start from the universal principle according to which minors have the right to have their dignity recognized, respected and protected. Respect for the dignity of the human person begins by recognizing their existence, autonomy and individuality. Therefore, it is considered inviolable. It is considered the foundation from which all human rights derive. This measure is aimed at this and that is why we must be in favor of its approval, “said Padilla Ruiz, referring to Senate Bill 184, which seeks to amend the Puerto Rico Mental Health Act and the Safety, Welfare and Protection Act. a Minor to extend the protection of the physical and mental health of minors, by prohibiting the practice of conversion therapy.
According to Padilla Ruiz, violence is the worst social emergency in Puerto Rico today. “Every year, hundreds of girls and boys are abused. Protecting them from any form of abuse or neglect that comes from their parents or caregivers is essential to stop this spiral of devastating effects. It is necessary to temper the legislation to protect them from violence in all its manifestations and this is the responsibility of the state “, said the CDC director.
The Declaration of the Rights of the Child (Law No. 338-1998) recognizes the responsibility of the Government of Puerto Rico to promote the maximum social and emotional development of children. It also recognizes that minors have the same rights to life and happiness as adults. It is a public policy for children and adolescents to be understood and cared for as an integral person, with their needs, rights and aspirations. As subjects of law, children have the right to grow up in harmony based on respect for their human dignity.
“Conversion therapies are interventions that are usually addressed to gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people. In the 21st century, the idea persists that homosexuality is a disease, that it can be cured and that it brings harmful and destructive repercussions. The United Nations has recognized that conversion therapies are torture for the LGBTTIQ community. These conversion therapies have been identified by the vast majority of global professional organizations as being ineffective and psychosocially harmful, ”the Commission presentation said.
The CDC director insisted that the various communities of their sexuality in Puerto Rico were the target of prejudice, discrimination, marginalization and violence. “These communities have long been the target of political and social invisibility. This scenario obviously creates a picture of the disparities that affect the lives of these communities. It is impossible to guarantee human rights in the context of exclusion, stigmatization, prejudice, violence and abuse. “
He said there were “horror stories” of people who had undergone these so-called therapies to cure homosexuality and develop heterosexuality. People affected and terrified by economic pressure and / or the rejection of their own families have been exposed to this violence. Through counseling, reading Bible passages, group conversations disguised as self-help therapies and a whole host of tricks, suffering, sowing hatred and homophobia, causing post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, social maladaptation, confusion and even have led people to suicide. “There is no research or scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of conversion therapies.”
“Diversity in sexual orientations, identities and expressions should not be an obstacle to one’s happiness or recognition and respect for their dignity,” concluded Padilla Ruiz in a presentation to the Committee on Community Initiatives, Mental Health and Addiction, led by José Vargas Vidot.