Brazil: Brazilian Activists Request Letter of Support for Progressive Decision of the Federal Council of Psychology
03/01/1999
On March 23rd 1999 the Brazilian Federal Council of Psychology issued a resolution concerning the professional conduct of all Brazilian psychologists in relation to sexual orientation and in particular homosexuality. The resolution in groundbreaking in that it goes beyond depathologizing homosexuality to requiring psychologist to uphold non discriminatory practices and promote the same in society. Furthermore the resolution prevents psychologist from participating in curative therapies. This highly ethical call on the part of the Federal Council is urgent in light of all the current attempts to frame homosexuality as a "pathology" that can be "cured". A translation of the resolution appears below for your review.
The resolution has met with a certain degree of resistance and criticism from more conservative psychologists.
Brazilian activists would like to ask your support by sending an Email congratulating/supporting the Brazilian Federal Council of Psychology on the issuing of the resolution:
- federal@rudah.com.br
- A/C ANA MERC S BAHIA BOCK
Conselheira Presidente
Conselho Federal de Psicologia
Copies should also be sent to:
- tonidavid@bbs1.sul.com.br
- ABGLT- Brazilian Association of Gays, Lesbians, and Transgender Persons
Dated March 23, 1999
"Establishes professional conduct standards for psychologists with regard to Sexual Orientation"
THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF PSYCHOLOGY, by means of its legal and regulatory attributions,
WHEREAS a psychologist is a health professional; WHEREAS in professional practice, regardless of the area in which the psychologist works, he/she is frequently questioned about matters relating to sexuality; WHEREAS the way in which each individual lives their sexuality is part of their identity and that this identity must be understood in its entirety; WHEREAS homosexuality is not a disease, disturbance or perversion; WHEREAS there is concern, in society, about sexual practices which differ from the socially and culturally established norm; WHEREAS Psychology can and must contribute through its knowledge towards the enlightening of issues of sexuality, thereby enabling the overcoming of prejudice and discrimination;
RESOLVES:
Article. 1 - Psychologists shall undertake their activities in accordance with the ethical principles of the profession, in particular those which govern non discriminatory practices and the promotion of the well-being of individuals and that of humanity.
Article. 2 - Psychologists shall contribute, by means of their knowledge, towards a reflection about prejudice and the eradication of discrimination and stigmatisation against those people who have homoerotic behaviour or homoerotic practices.
Article. 3 - Psychologists shall not undertake any action which favours homoerotic behaviour or homoerotic practices being considered pathologies, nor will they adopt coercive actions which tend to incline homosexuals towards unrequested treatment. Paragraph One - Psychologists shall not collaborate with events or services which propose to cure the various manifestations of homosexuality.
Article. 4 - Psychologists shall not make pronouncements, nor shall they take part in public pronouncements, in the mass media, in such a way as to reinforce existing social prejudices in relation to homosexuals as sufferers of any kind of psychological disorder.
Article 5 - This Resolution comes into force on the date of its publication.
Article 6 - All provisions to the contrary are hereby revoked. Brasília, March 23, 1999.
