Since the American Psychological Association (APA) took homosexuality off the books as a psychological disorder in 1973, the debate over reparative therapy—an attempt to change someone's sexual orientation to heterosexuality—has continued with little rigorous research.

Many question the ethics of treating someone for a condition which is not considered a disorder and posit that reparative therapy risks traumatizing the patient. Others, including the APA, point to research that indicates sexual orientation is genetic and say it is an unchangeable part of a person's identity. Therapists also disagree about what constitutes a return to heterosexuality—whether it is celibacy, an absence of homosexual attraction, or something beyond that. Amid these concerns, organizations such as Exodus International have run reparative therapy programs with mixed success.

Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse presented the results of their longitudinal study on reparative therapy in Ex-Gays?, which was published in September 2007.

An Older, Wiser Ex-Gay Movement
The 30-year-old ministry now offers realistic hope for homosexuals.
(September 13, 2007)

The Best Research Yet
Two psychologists show that homosexuals should not be discouraged from seeking change.
(September 13, 2007)

Re-engineering Temptation
Fuzzy science sparks debate over treatments to reverse homosexuality.
(April 9, 2007)

Therapeutically Incorrect
Atheist psychiatrist argues that gays can change.
(April 2005)

APA Halts Conversion Therapy Change
The APA'S board of trustees endorsed a proposed resolution disapproving treatment based on "a psychiatrist's intent to change a person's sexual orientation."
(July 18, 1994)

The Rebirth of Venus
Charlene Cothran, editor of a magazine for African-American gays and lesbians, on how she renounced homosexuality and came to Christ.
(March 23, 2007)

My Dirty Little Former Secret
God used a movie about gay cowboys to release me from the burden of my past.
(April 1, 2006)

My Path to Lesbianism
It was hatred of women that drove me there, and Christ in community that led me out.
(February 2005)

Cheated by the Affirming Church
Contrary to what some churches teach, it is homosexuality—and not its suppression—that enslaves people like me.
(December 1, 2004)

Gene Robinson Takes Questions in a Church called Gethsemane
Speaks on reparative therapy, potential schism, and whether he really "left" his wife for his male lover.
(Aug. 4, 2003)

No Easy Victory
A plea from a Christian husband and father who, day by day, resists his homosexual desires.
(March 11, 2002)

Ex-Gay Leader Disciplined for Gay Bar Visit
Exodus removes John Paulk as board chairman, places him on probationary status as member.
(October 1, 2000)

Homosexual Healing
Review of Coming Out Of Homosexuality
(August 15, 1994)

Related hot topics include Gay Marriage and Anglican Division. More articles about homosexuality are available in our section on sexuality and gender.