PRESS RELEASE
21 May 2015
Psychologists call for publication of Sexual Orientation Strategy at Annual
Conference
The British Psychological Society in Northern Ireland has said that a strategy on sexual
orientation in Northern Ireland must be published.
The Society in Northern Ireland responded to the OFMDFM consultation on proposals for a
Sexual Orientation Strategy for Northern Ireland and are now calling for the publication of a
robust strategy that will promote equality, diversity and tolerance.
The Society called on policy makers to ensure that they create an environment that
promotes diversity and makes citizens feel valued and respected.
The Society noted the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Guidelines for Good Practice
with Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Clients, and Society and welcomed the referendum on equal
marriage which is taking place in the Republic of Ireland as a positive step in encouraging
honest and open discussions on equality issues.
Keynote speaker Dr D’Alton, President of the Psychology Society of Ireland said;
“We’ve had a long history in this country of treating people from minority groups very badly;
we have a long history of treating people who didn’t comply with dominant social norms very
badly or, at the very least, with cold tolerance.
“Psychology, I am very sorry to say, has often been silent on these abuses or in some cases
complicit. The PSI Guidelines are a significant step forward in ensuring that we as a
profession use our voice to advocate for members of the LGB community. Guidelines set the
tone and influence the atmosphere in which we work with vulnerable minorities.
“This week is an important one in the Republic as we vote on the right of gay and lesbian
people to marry. We have had weeks of heated debate. These conversations have been
difficult but are vital to our democracy. It has not been easy but I see it as an expression of
our growing up as a nation, I understand it as our citizens claiming their moral authority back
from external authorities. I see it as part of our maturation as a Republic.
“I am confident that as a profession we continuously work towards promoting an inclusive
and equal society and prevent the repeat of injustices inflicted on minority groups as has
happened in the past.”
Evidence gathered by the Pink Therapy highlights how 1 in 6 therapists within the UK had
been asked to enter into a therapy contract surrounding reducing same sex attraction. Most
professional bodies setting standards for good practice endorsed the Memorandum of
Understanding which deems such interventions at least ineffective and at best harmful. The
British Psychological Society in Northern Ireland supports affirmatory practice which
promotes individuality and makes people feel valued.
Dr Michele Kavanagh called for greater awareness of the processes involved in
internalised stigma and oppression within society:
“The Society in Northern Ireland values diversity and whilst this can give rise to the
challenge of making various identities appear incompatible, we must use our influence,
informed by research evidence, to promote tolerance, and inclusion, to highlight the lived
experience of stigmatisation within the LGB community in Northern Ireland.”
Dr Keith Kerrigan, Clinical Psychologist said:
“The Society supports affirmatory practice and calls for its members to have a clear
understanding assumptions and hidden influences of power that can impact upon the
delivery of effective, and safe, therapy.
“We would urge the publication of a Sexual Orientation Strategy before this current
Assembly mandate has ended. Our policy makers must send a clear message to people
from the LGB community that they are valued and respected in Northern Ireland society.”
Ends Notes to Editors:
1. The seminar takes place as part of the Northern Ireland Psychological Society’s Annual
Conference on Thursday 21 May 2015 at 4pm in the Armagh City Hotel.
2. More information on the event can be found
at: www.response.questback.com/britishpsychologicalsociety/seminarseries2015/
For interviews or more information, contact:
Arlene O’Connor, MCE Public Relations on 07736 049 754.