Ecuador Minister of Health: Close fake "clinics" that torture LGBT in order to "cure" them
Although over 30 “ex- gay clinics” have been closed this year, hundreds still remain open. These clinics which claim to “cure” homosexuality have decreased in popularity in recent years yet still remain a horrific reality for many. Escaping patients report cases of physical and psychological abuse including verbal threats, shackling, days without food, sexual abuse, and physical torture. Paula Ziritti, 24, spent two years in one such facility and for three months was shackled in handcuffs while guards threw water and urine on her. She describes numerous accounts of physical and sexual abuse. Ziritti says, “The closure of the first clinics by the government is good, but not good enough. Why is the clinic where I suffered still open?”
Since Zirittu’s public disclosure, many others have been inspired to step forward and file formal complaints against these treatment centers. Please join Fundacion Causana and a coalition of other Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender groups in calling on Ecuador’s Minister of Health to immediately investigate and close the 200 “ex- gay clinics” that still remain open despite public support for their closing and reported accounts of torture and abuse.