National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality
50380
225978911
2008-07-16T08:40:40Z
Skoojal
6202889
undoing edit - sexual orientation and medicine category is in the article on Joseph Nicolosi; I don't see why it shouldn't be here too
{{totallydisputed}}
The '''National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality''' (NARTH), formerly the ''National Association for Research and Treatment of Homosexuality'', is a [[non-profit organization]] "dedicated to affirming a complementary, male-female model of gender and sexuality."<ref>[http://narth.com NARTH Home Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It advocates reparative therapy{{POV-statement|date=July 2008}} as a method of changing the [[sexual orientation]] of homosexuals and bisexuals. NARTH opposes the [[American Psychiatric Association]]'s 1973 declaration that homosexuality is not a mental disorder.<ref name=ajp>R. L. Spitzer, "[http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/138/2/210 The diagnostic status of homosexuality in DSM-III: a reformulation of the issues]," ''American Journal of Psychiatry'' 138 (1981): 210-15.</ref><ref>"[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,904053,00.html An Instant Cure]", ''Time'', [[April 1]], [[1974]].</ref><ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/normalization.html The A.P.A. Normalization of Homosexuality, and the Research Study of Irving Bieber<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
NARTH was founded in 1992 by [[Joseph Nicolosi]], Benjamin Kaufman, and the late [[Charles Socarides]].
Its headquarters are in [[Encino]], [[California]], at the Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic. [[A. Dean Byrd]] is the president of NARTH.
== Formation ==
In 1973, the [[American Psychiatric Association]] (APA) removed homosexuality from its list of [[mental disorder]]s.<ref name=ajp/> Kaufman says that he, Socarides, and Nicolosi founded NARTH because the APA and similar professional organizations "had totally stifled the scientific inquiry that would be necessary to stimulate a discussion [of understanding the nature of homosexuality]."<ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/indefense.html In Defense of the Need for Honest Dialogue<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> NARTH argues that the political atmosphere had changed, making it "politically incorrect" to make even the suggestion of a dialogue that opens up the question of the normality of homosexuality. Kaufman states the reason they formed NARTH was in response to "censorship of a politically unpopular position."
== Mission statement and activities ==
According to its mission statement, NARTH "is a professional, scientific organization that offers hope to those who struggle with unwanted homosexuality. As an organization, we disseminate educational information, conduct and collect scientific research, promote effective therapeutic treatment, and provide referrals to those who seek our assistance. NARTH upholds the rights of individuals with unwanted homosexual attraction to receive effective psychological care and the right of professionals to offer that care.<ref>[http://narth.com/menus/mission.html NARTH Mission Statement<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
NARTH's stated activities include providing referrals to conversion therapists, conducting research, hosting lectures, publishing scholarly literature, distributing literature to schools and libraries, promoting "teen awareness that homosexual attractions do not necessarily make one a homosexual", and "[making the public aware] that some homosexual people do seek and achieve change. The change is neither quick nor easy, but many believe---as we do---that the goal is a worthy one."<ref>[http://narth.com/menus/goals.html What We Offer<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
NARTH is a secular organization and does not use the Bible as justification for its positions. Nevertheless, NARTH often partners with religious organizations at ex-gay and conversion therapy events. Co-founder Nicolosi of NARTH is a consistent speaker at [[Focus on the Family]]'s ex-gay [[Love Won Out]] conferences.{{Fact|date=June 2008}}
== Views ==
While its members may hold different views, NARTH holds to some key positions on the origins and nature of homosexuality. These views serve as both a basis for their advocacy, as well as a source of controversy in the psychological profession, among activists and in the media. NARTH argues that there is today a widespread propaganda in favor of normalizing homosexuality in law and education.
=== Position statements ===
* NARTH explains its position on seven issues relevant to the group in [http://www.narth.com/menus/positionstatements.html this article on their website]. They are titled:
** Right to treatment
** Gay advocacy in public schools
** Pedophilia
** Homophobia
** Same-sex marriage
** On the Meaning of Tolerance and Diversity
** On the Causes of Homosexuality
=== On the nature of sexual identity ===
NARTH differs from the APA on [http://www.narth.com/menus/positionstatements.html their views] on the nature and development of sexual identity.
{{cquote| NARTH agrees with the American Psychological Association that "biological, psychological and social factors" shape sexual identity at an early age for most people.
But the difference is one of emphasis. We place more emphasis on the psychological (family, peer and social) influences, while the American Psychological Association emphasizes biological influences.... }}
=== Conversion therapy ===
NARTH advocates the use of reparative therapy{{POV-statement|date=July 2008}} to help clients who seek to diminish their same-sex attractions. This view garners controversy, with various claims that reparative therapy{{POV-statement|date=July 2008}} is ineffective, unethical or harmful. <ref name="apa">[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
== Affiliations with Focus on the Family ==
[[Focus on the Family]] (FOTF, or FotF) is an American [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] group. The [[non-profit]] organization was founded in 1977 by Dr. [[James Dobson]], and is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Focus on the Family is one of a number of evangelical parachurch organizations that rose to prominence in the last decade. A major component of the American [[Christian right]], it is active in promoting interdenominational work for a [[social conservative]] public policy.
Focus on the Family's [[Love Won Out]] ministry claims to exhort and equip the church to respond in a Christ-like way to homosexuality from "a biblical point of view." The conference bases its Prevention of Male Homosexuality session on NARTH research. In the session Prevention of Male Homosexuality:<ref>Focus on the Family's Love Won Out Conference Guide Copyrighted 2005-2006</ref> "Contrary to the popular myth that homosexuality is genetic, same-sex attraction is a preventable and treatable condition."<ref>Love Won Out Conference Guide, pg 11</ref> Love Won Out questions if Homosexuality may be unhealthy. Love Won Out shows in a statistic according to a study by (NARTH) The National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality:<ref>Focus on the Family's Love Won Out Conference Guide Copyrighted 2005-2006</ref> "500 studies show self-destructive, maladaptive behavior associated with a gay lifestyle."<ref>Love Won Out Conference Guide, pg 31</ref> (NARTH is engaged in the research of homosexuality as an illness. They advocate reparative therapy{{POV-statement|date=July 2008}} as a method of changing the sexual orientation of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. NARTH opposes the American Psychiatric Association's 1973 declaration that homosexuality is not a mental disorder.)
Dr. [[Joseph Nicolosi]], on [[November 4]], [[2006]],<ref>Focus on the Family's Love Won Out Conference Agenda</ref> represented NARTH at the Love Won Out Conference speaking on "Prevention of Male Homosexuality" and on "The Condition of Male Homosexuality".<ref>Focus on the Family's Love Won Out Conference Guide Copyrighted 2005-2006</ref> "Dr. Nicolosi is the president and principal research investigator for the National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH)""Dr. Nicolosi is the clinical director of the Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic in Encino, Calif., where he specializes in the treatment of men with unwanted homosexuality.<ref>Love Won Out Conference Guide, pg 9</ref>
== Medical view of conversion therapy ==
{{main|Conversion therapy#Mainstream medical view in the U.S.}}
The medical and scientific consensus is that homosexuality is not a disorder and "there have been no scientifically rigorous outcome studies to determine either the actual efficacy or harm of "reparative" treatments", and the [[American Psychiatric Association]] supports additional research to determine risks versus benefits.<ref name="Pysch">{{cite web
| title=Position Statement on Therapies Focused on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation (Reparative or Conversion Therapies)
| publisher=American Psychiatric Association
| date=May 2000
| accessdate=2007-08-28
| url=http://www.psych.org/psych_pract/copptherapyaddendum83100.cfm}}</ref>
The ethics and efficacy of these methods have been challenged by all mainstream [[mental health]] associations that have taken a position on the topic.<ref name="apa" /> Their stance is that "sexual orientation develops across a person's lifetime", but promoting reparative therapy{{POV-statement|date=July 2008}} in schools exacerbates the risk of harassment, harm, and fear of LGBT students.<ref name="apa">[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The American Psychiatric Association states that "ethical practitioners refrain from attempts to change individuals' sexual orientation."<ref>[http://www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/reports/YouthInTheCrosshairs.pdf Youth in the Crosshairs: The Third Wave of Ex-Gay Activism<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Major organizations that have issued precautionary statements against reparative therapy{{POV-statement|date=July 2008}} include the [[American Psychiatric Association]], the [[American Psychological Association]], the [[American Counseling Association]], the [[National Association of Social Workers]], the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]], the [[American Association of School Administrators]], the [[American Federation of Teachers]], the [[National Association of School Psychologists]], and the [[National Education Association]].<ref>[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel] 1999, American Psychological Association</ref>
The [[Human Rights Campaign]], a [[gay rights]] group, issued a press release in 1999 saying that NARTH President, Charles Socarides, had:
{{cquote|... run into trouble with the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA), of which he is a member. According to a letter from Dr. [[Ralph Roughton]] of the APsaA, Socarides misrepresented the position of the APsaA in a published paper and a court affidavit. Socarides attempted to make it appear that the APsaA agrees with his positions on homosexuality. He did this by quoting an APsaA document written in 1968, which supported his views and which he called the "official position" of the APsaA, while ignoring a 1990 revised statement that drastically contradicted his views. The Executive Committee of the APsaA instructed the organization's attorney to write a letter to Socarides asking him to cease this misrepresentation and threatening legal action if he continued. Additionally, the APsaA newsletter decided to stop printing advertisements for NARTH meetings because the organization does not adhere to APsaA's policy of non-discrimination and because their activities are demeaning to our members who are gay and lesbian, according to Roughton.<ref>[http://www.csufresno.edu/StudentOrgs/usp/resources/flyers/missionimpossible.htm MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Why Reparative Therapy & Ex-Gay Ministries Fail<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>}}
NARTH counters, arguing the psychological/psychiatric professional associations have become little more than the research arms of the gay rights movement.<ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/apavote.html The APA Vote On Same-Sex Marriage: The Inside Story<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> "Gay advocates have created fraudulent studies and misused, misquoted, and mischaracterized other research studies for political gain. These reports are frequently used in court cases to bring about victories for gay activism."<ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/press13.html NARTH Publishes Report on Mental Health Organizations and Gay Advocacy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
As the keynote speaker at NARTH's 2004 Annual Conference, [[Robert Perloff]], a past president of the APA, said:
<blockquote>
"The individual's right for self-determination of sexuality -- or sexual autonomy -- is, I am happy to see, inherent in NARTH's position statement: 'NARTH respects each client's dignity, autonomy, and free agency... every individual has the right to claim a gay identity, or to develop their heterosexual potential. The right to seek therapy to change one's sexual adaptation is considered self-evident and inalienable.' I subscribe fully to the aforementioned NARTH position statement."<ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/perloff.html Former APA President Supports NARTH's Mission Statement, Assails APA's Intolerance of Differing Views<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
</blockquote>
== Scandals ==
* NARTH received some criticism for Dr. Gerald Schoenewolf's essay [http://www.splcenter.org/images/dynamic/intel/SchoenwolfEssay.pdf "Gay Rights and Political Correctness: A Brief History"], in which the member of NARTH's Science Advisory Committee argued that "Africa at the time of slavery was still primarily a jungle... Life there was savage ... and those brought to America, and other countries, were in many ways better off." He also stated that the civil rights movement, the women's rights movement, and the gay rights movement were all "irrational" and "destructive."<ref>[http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=717 SPLCenter.org: One More Enemy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Schoenewolf later on clarified that "No person is better off enslaved, obviously... What I tried to say, before my words were twisted by that reporter, is that despite the clear and obvious evil of that practice, we tend to forget that many of the enslaved people had been first been sold into bondage by their fellow countrymen; so coming to America did bring about some eventual good. No social issue has all the 'good guys' lined up on one side and 'bad guys' on the other."<ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/amok.html Political Correctness Gone Amok: The Latest Controversy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* Christopher Austin was an ex-gay counselor who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2007 for sexually assaulting a male client. Austin was affiliated with and gave presentations at NARTH and [[Evergreen International]], which describes him as "a therapist specializing in homosexual and sexual addiction recovery....[and] the creator of RENEW, a multi-dimensional treatment approach for men struggling with homosexuality."<ref>{{cite news
| first = Killan
| last = Melloy
| title = 'Ex-Gay' Counselor Convicted of Sexual Assault on Man
| url = http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=23018
| publisher = EDGE Boston
| date=2007-09-13
| accessdate = 2007-08-21
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Speakers.htm
| title = Keynote Speakers and Frequent Presenters
| accessdate = 2007-09-21
| publisher = Evergreen International
}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
== See also ==
* [[Biology and sexual orientation]]
* [[Homosexuality and psychology]]
* [[Sexual orientation and medicine]]
== External links ==
* [http://www.narth.com National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality], Official Website
* [http://www.narth.com/menus/positionstatements.html NARTH position statements]
* [http://www.psych.org/psych_pract/copptherapyaddendum83100.cfm COPP Position Statement on Therapies Focused on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation (Reparative or Conversion Therapies)]
[[Category:Sexual orientation and medicine]]
[[Category:Psychotherapy]]
[[Category:Psychology organizations]]
[[Category:Ex-gay organizations]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in California]]
[[Category:1992 establishments]]
[[bg:Национална асоциация за изследване и терапия на хомосексуалността]]
[[de:National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality]]
[[ru:Национальная ассоциация по исследованию и терапии гомосексуальности]]