Albania joins Malta, Germany; becomes third European country to ban gay 'conversion therapy'.
The decision by Albania's order of psychologists on Friday is "significantly important for LGBTI adolescents", the gay rights association Pink Embassy said in a statement. All registered therapists in Albania must be members of the order of psychologists. Its decisions are final and "legally valid", Pink Embassy head Altin Hazizaj told AFP. "This is the final decision which does not need to go through either the legislative or executive to enter into force," said Hazizaj. Pink Embassy claims that parents often "force" adolescents to undergo conversion therapy. "Although reports of the use of such therapies in Albania have been small, allowing them has been a serious concern." Data from other countries show that people who have experienced the therapy are 8.4 times more likely to commit suicide, the NGO said. Also, they are 5.9 times more exposed to high levels of depression. Medical experts consider psychological or spir