Repentance therapy aims to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity and has been equated by the UN with torture.
More and more countries have chosen to ban the controversial form of therapy and now the political pressure on criminalization is increasing in Sweden as well, reports Ekot.
A state investigation is underway into the existence in Sweden, but the Social Democrats have also written a motion demanding a ban.
- There must be no doubt that all forms of honor-related oppression in Sweden are unacceptable.
The protection of these people needs to be strengthened, says Fredrik Lundh Sammeli (S), chairman of the Riksdag's Justice Committee.
The Liberals are positive to the Social Democrats' proposal but think that a ban on conversion therapy should already be in place.
- We welcome the fact that the Social Democrats have come to the realization that this is a problem in society.
But as long as the government does not act on the issue, there is no major support for those who are actually exposed, says Arman Teimouri (L).
"Temptations from the Devil"
Charlotta Carlström has a doctorate in social work and has researched LGBTQ in Swedish free churches.
She has talked to people who have been subjected to conversion attempts and says that it is about Bible interpretation.
- It is interpreted as meaning that it is sinful to be an LGBTQ person.
That there are temptations from the devil or evil forces and you need to be able to resist them to get to heaven and not live a sinful life, she says.