The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) has joined leading psychology organisations from around the world in endorsing a landmark international declaration calling for an end to sexual orientation and gender identity/expression (SOGIE) conversion practices (also known as “conversion therapy”).
The declaration was officially launched this week at the 31st International Congress of Applied Psychology (ICAP 2026) in Florence, Italy, the world’s leading international congress dedicated to applied psychology. It saw more than 2,500 delegates gathered to discuss the role of psychology in addressing global challenges.
By endorsing the IPsyNet Declaration Against Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression (SOGIE) Conversion Practices, PsySSA reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based psychological practice, ethical professional standards, human rights and the dignity of LGBTQ+ people.
Global scientific consensus rejects conversion practices
Developed by the International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer Issues (IPsyNet) with contributions from experts representing 12 countries, the declaration reflects what it describes as the growing international scientific consensus that sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are natural aspects of human diversity and should never be targeted for change.
The declaration defines conversion practices as systematic psychological, behavioural, medical or spiritual interventions intended to change, suppress or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
It states that these practices:
- Lack scientific validity and are not supported by psychological evidence.
- Cause significant psychological harm, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and suicidality.
- Violate fundamental human rights and ethical principles.
- Reinforce stigma and discrimination against sexual and gender diverse people.
- Contradict affirmative, evidence-based psychological care.
The declaration also asserts that psychologists “have an ethical duty to not engage in, refer clients to, or endorse any form of SOGIE conversion practices.”
In its media statement, PsySSA said it was “proud to be among the organisations that have formally endorsed this important international declaration,” adding that it reaffirmed the society’s commitment to ethical, evidence-based psychological practice and inclusive mental healthcare.
Declaration calls for governments and professionals to act
The declaration urges psychologists, professional associations, educators, policymakers and governments worldwide to reject conversion practices, promote affirmative mental healthcare and adopt policies that protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of sexually and gender-diverse people.
The declaration builds on an expanding international movement against conversion practices. Several countries around the world have already outlawed these practices, and in May, the European Commission announced plans to issue a recommendation urging all European Union member states to ban them.
PsySSA recently collaborated with Outright International to develop and launch a toolkit to help mental health providers working with survivors of conversion practices in Africa.
The organisation’s endorsement adds South Africa’s leading professional psychology body to the growing list of groups formally rejecting conversion practices and supporting affirming, evidence-based care for LGBTQ+ people.
