LGBTQI advocacy grows amidst conversion therapy debates in Sweden

SVT Nyheter has reported on issues related to trans and homophobia within free churches, as well as experiences of LGBTQI individuals facing fears and attempts at conversion therapy within Muslim communities in Sweden. As Oliver matures and encounters new perspectives beyond his Christian community, he becomes interested in queer theology, which interprets the Bible through an LGBTQI lens.

Having always felt a sense of discomfort, Oliver identifies as transgender upon learning about the term. When he comes out to church leaders and parts of his community, he faces silence and social ostracism. Despite being invited to meetings where his homosexuality and gender identity are questioned, he explains that conversion attempts are not merely about physical coercion.

A mission leader from his community states that they oppose conversion attempts and emphasizes that membership only requires baptism and a confession of faith, specifically defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Years later, Oliver has left Christianity but actively engages in advocacy for trans rights as the vice chair of EKHO, the Christian rainbow movement, asserting that everyone has the right to embrace their sexual orientation.

While same-sex marriage became legal in Sweden in May 2009, religious officiants can refuse to conduct ceremonies for same-sex couples, and some denominations may renounce their right to officiate weddings. Conversion therapy involves coercing individuals to alter or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity through various methods, and the UN recognizes it as comparable to torture, advocating for a global ban.

Currently, conversion attempts are illegal in several countries, though they remain lawful in Sweden. In 2022, a government investigation considered criminalizing them, but in July 2023 concluded against tightening the laws due to existing protections against related abuses.