Gay cure? Parliamentary debates on the (de)pathologization of homosexuality

Abstract The article investigated parliamentary debates in Brazilian Federal Chamber on the permissibility of psychologists to offer treatment of conversion to heterosexuality for homosexuals between 2009 and 2013. The methodology consisted of the analysis of the speeches of the deputies. Supporters of these therapies include evangelical parliamentarians, who conceive of homosexuality as perversion, and among those who opposed feminist parliamentarians and representatives of the LGBT movements (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transsexual and Transgender) who conceive of homosexuality as a manifestation of human sexual diversity. The prohibition of these treatments was maintained, ensuring the defense of human rights and the autonomy of the Federal Council of Psychology.