Gay man receives compensation after he was forced to endure ‘gay cure’ therapy for 19 days
A hospital in China has been ordered to pay compensation to a gay man who was forced to endure “gay cure” therapy for 19 days.
The man, who’s identity is being kept anonymous, was forced into the hospital by his family after he filed for a divorce.
He told the court how he was forcibly given medication including injections and anti-depressants in what he believed was an attempt to suppress his sexuality.
The 37-year-old was held in the hospital in the central China Henan Province against his will.
The court found that when the man was hospitalised he was not suicidal or violent, the only behaviour that constitutes being held.
He sought compensation of 10,000 yuan but was awarded 5,000 yuan ($737).
The hospital has also been ordered to publish an apology in the local paper.
The decision comes two years after the incident, which occurred on October 8, 2015.
Both the man and his lawyer Huang Rui, believe the win is an important landmark for LGBT equality.
“This case shows how the government sees the LGBT group and may encourage others to fight for their rights,” Huang Rui said.
A gay man from British Columbia, Canada, has opened up about being subjected to psychological “gay cure” therapy by a rogue therapist when he was in his early 20’s.
Peter Gajdics told the shocking story in his memoir, The Inheritance of Shame.
The man who coined gay cure therapy died this year.
Dr. Joseph Nicolosi was a co-founder of the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH).
He became a prominent proponent of the therapy, which has been widely debunked by experts, and a major figure in the ‘ex-gay’ movement.
The clinic announced the news on Facebook, writing: “We are deeply saddened and shocked to announce the death of Dr. Joseph Nicolosi yesterday in California from complications from the flu.”
