PUBLIC APOLOGY
The Finnish Psychoanalytical Society (SPY) apologizes for all views expressed within its
sphere of influence, which have contributed to individuals belonging to sexual and
gender minorities being stigmatized as diseased, disturbed, developmentally challenged
or in any other way abnormal, based on their sexual orientation or gender diversity. This
apology is addressed to all those individuals, whom these views have violated and to
whom these same views have caused suffering and harm. It is especially justified to
apologize for harmful treatments based on these pathologizing theories. This includes all
those treatments, which in the name of psychoanalysis have suggested the changing of
sexual orientation or, without question or otherwise, have sought to implement a person’s
own wish of such a change, by suggesting that such a change would indeed be possible
or desirable or by in any way suggesting that homosexual orientation would somehow be
wrong or in need of being fixed. These wrongful treatments also include treatments
whereby a person’s symptoms and problems have been explained by reference to their
homosexuality. This apology also concerns an equivalent attitude toward trans and gender
diversity. The apology also covers all other individuals belonging to sexual and gender
minority identities that have been harmed. We now know and understand how harmful such
views and treatments have been and how much suffering they have caused and how they have
violated individual autonomy, human dignity and the right to equality. Indirectly they have
also had other harmful consequences, such as long-term financial losses or professional
obstacles. They have also prevented and hampered seeking or receiving appropriate help.
The International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA), whose ethical rules bind all
psychoanalysts belonging to The Finnish Psychoanalytical Society, has approved a position
statement against conversion therapies on April 26, 2022. It states unequivocally that
purposeful attempts to convert or change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or
gender expression, are not in accordance with the fundamental ethical principles of
psychoanalysis nor consistent with the explorative aims of psychoanalysis. (The statement can
be read in full on the IPA webpage – IPA Position Statement on Attempts to Change Sexual
Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression.)
The Finnish Psychoanalytical Society also apologizes for not at an earlier date publicly
resigning from views which maintain out of date and harmful notions and prejudices
about sexuality and gender within health services and society at large. Psychoanalysts
are responsible for the consequences of the theories and views that they
express, and they must therefore carefully be ethically checked to make sure that
no group of people be ostracized or stigmatized by prejudices and discrimination as a
consequence of them.
Helsinki, June 29, 2022
Eija Repo
President