Gay cre

One of the stranger attempts was an effort by Viennese endocrinologist Eugen Steinach to transplant testicles from straight men into the scrotums of gay men in an attempt to rid them of same-sex desires. In 1935, Freud went even further, writing to a woman who wanted her homosexual son converted that homosexuality "is nothing to be ashamed of, no vice, no degradation; it cannot be classified as an illness."

Other psychologists throughout the early mid-1900s believed homosexuality could be changed and recommended a variety of treatments.

However, a number of medical practitioners said a ban which still allowed for explorative therapies was possible, and had already been enacted in other countries. And Exodus International, an umbrella group that connected various conversion therapy groups and gay ministry organizations, closed down in 2013 after nearly 40 years of operations after its president, Alan Chambers, decided it’s impossible to change someone’s sexual orientation.

His opinion is shared by the medical establishment, which now accepts that homosexuality isn’t a matter of choice.

It can include talking therapies and prayer, but more extreme forms can include exorcism, physical violence and food deprivation. Freud echoed modern psychologists by responding that changing sexual orientation was difficult and unlikely.

According to the British Psychological Society (BPS), conversion therapy - sometimes called "reparative therapy" or "gay cure therapy" - tries to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Those from an ethnic minority background were more likely to be affected, as were people with religious faith. Victims of facilities like JONAH, or Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing, brought lawsuits for fraud. In 1920, Sigmund Freud wrote of a lesbian patient whose father wanted to see her converted to heterosexuality.

Others committed suicide after “treatment.” Meanwhile, evidence that any of the techniques were effective remained nonexistent.

Though the concept of gay conversion still exists today, a growing tide has turned against the practice. Conservative legal groups claim the law is a violation of the right to free speech, freedom of religion and privacy.

How did conversion therapy get started?

The desire to turn gay people straight goes way back.

But mainstream psychologists say the therapy is ineffective, unethical and often harmful, exacerbating anxiety and self-hatred among those treated for what is not a mental disorder.

In 2013, two cases involving the therapy to convert gay people into heterosexuals hit the courts, with one seeking to sue counselors who offer the therapy and the other seeking to defend them.

Here are five things you need to know about the therapy and the current lawsuits.

Why psychologists say conversion therapy doesn't work

Homosexuality is not considered a mental disorder, so the American Psychological Association (APA) does not recommend "curing" same-sex attraction in any case.

The bill was signed into law in September 2013. Negative effects included "loss of sexual feeling, depression, suicidality and anxiety."

What happens in conversion therapy?

Because conversion therapy is not a mainstream psychological treatment, there are no professional standards or guidelines for how it is conducted.

The group has religious links; for example, one of its founders and former president, psychologist Joseph Nicolosi, is a one-time spokesman for Focus on the Family. “These materials talked about how the “gay lifestyle” would create disease, depravity and misery. There is no standard legal definition and victims may be reluctant to share their experiences.

Some other countries, including Ireland, have proposed bans or are consulting on the issue.