Gay conversion therapy works and I’ve given it, says Israeli education minister

Rafi Peretz faces calls to quit as prime minister condemns remarks

Orthodox rabbi Rafi Peretz faced calls to quit for supporting the technique (AFP/Getty)

Israel’s education minister has provoked a storm of anger by backing “gay conversion therapy”, a discredited technique that seeks to turn people heterosexual.

Rafi Peretz said it could work and that he had even performed it.

“I think that it is possible to convert [someone’s sexual orientation],” Mr Peretz said.

“I can tell you that I have deep familiarity on the issue of education, and I have also done this.”

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, condemned the remarks, saying they were unacceptable and did not represent his government’s position.

Doctors say the technique, which tries to change someone’s sexual orientation through psychological and spiritual means and even electroshocks, is scientifically dubious and possibly dangerous.

Mr Peretz, an Orthodox rabbi who leads a small religious party, also drew condemnation from other politicians, gay groups and the public.

Amir Ohana, the justice minister, who is openly gay, said: “Sexual orientation does not require therapy nor conversion. Preconceived notions and ignorance require therapy and conversion.”

The Aguda, an LGBT+ rights group, called for Mr Peretz to resign.

Benny Gantz, head of the Blue and White party, the main opposition, said: “Any statements about conversion therapy cannot be legitimate in Israel in 2019. The Blue and White government will promote equality, tolerance and acceptance of the other.”

According to World Israel News, he added: “The right of every person to live according to his faith, opinion and inclination is a cornerstone of Israeli democracy and we will defend it with all our might.”

Mr Peretz described how he had acted when a gay person told him about his sexual inclinations.

“First of all, I embraced him. I said very warm things to him. I told him, ‘Let’s think. Let’s study. And let’s contemplate.’

“The objective is first of all for him to know himself well ... and then he will decide,” Mr Peretz said.

He later tried to clarify his comments, saying he did not mean gay children must be sent to conversion therapy, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Nitzan Horowitz, who leads the left-wing Meretz party, said the therapy was dangerous and risked leading young people to suicide.

Mr Peretz also provoked anger last week when he compared intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews to a “second Holocaust”.