Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and VBP

Abstract

According to VBP, to determine whether an individual ought to be able to choose to have safe, effective and truly consensual sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE-also known as conversion therapy), the legitimate values-values compatible with mutual respect-of the individual involved and other affected parties need to be considered. Fulford suggests that homophobic values are incompatible with mutual respect, which suggests that SOCE should not be available. This chapter argues that certain homophobic values may be compatible with mutual respect. Hence, in certain circumstances, VBP could allow safe, effective and truly consensual SOCE to go ahead. This could be considered to be a weakness of VBP. However, VBP should be applauded for considering the values of all involved, including those who make choices for themselves that do not align with the dominant ideology of a society.