Father Paul Sullins challenges what he calls the flawed methodology used in studies that prompted calls for a global ban on ‘sexual orientation change efforts.’
Image: Father Paul Sullins, a professor of sociological research at The Catholic University of America and senior research associate of the Ruth Institute, is shown speaking at a Ruth Institute event. (photo: Chad Whited / Courtesy of the Ruth Institute)
by Joan Frawley Desmond March 27, 2023 at National Catholic Register
Over the past two decades, as Americans who identify as “gay” and “lesbian” secured social acceptance, expanded legal protections and marriage rights, an acrimonious parallel debate has sprung up over claims that so-called “conversion therapy” for people dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction is unethical, harmful and should be prohibited.
The American Psychological Association (APA) and leading medical organizations have condemned “conversion therapy” or “reparative therapy” — described in academic literature as “sexual orientation change efforts” or SOCE — citing research linking the practice to higher rates of suicidality for people who undergo treatment to remove or mitigate homosexual feelings. These studies have bolstered attacks on the practice by “LGBT” activists who say such efforts are coercive and motivated by “hate.” Last year, President Biden issued an executive order directing federal agencies to prevent federally funded programs from offering conversion therapy.
Father Paul Sullins, a professor of sociological research at The Catholic University of America, has studied the most recent, widely cited research supporting the claims against conversion therapy. In a 2022 paper, “Sexual Orientation Change Efforts Do Not Increase Suicide: Correcting a False Research Narrative,” he challenged the methodology employed in the influential studies that prompted calls for a global ban on SOCE, and his findings have prompted pushback, as well as debate.
During an interview with Register senior editor Joan Frawley Desmond, Father Sullins explained why the studies’ methodology was flawed. He also discussed the “monoculture” within the academy that has allowed poorly executed peer-reviewed studies to go largely unchallenged.