Problems for Psychologists in South America

Psychologist Esly Carvalho of Brazil recently contacted NARTH to inform us of a grave situation. Not long ago, Brazil's psychology licensing board passed a resolution forbidding psychologists from helping homosexual clients change orientation, even if the client specifically requests such treatment. In spite of the resolution, Carvalho says, "We know of many who courageously continue to help their clients."

Dr. Carvalho has asked NARTH to help a Brazilian psychologist faces Ethics Board charges. NARTH is writing a letter of support and mailing corroborating literature.

As Dr. Carvalho explains:

"We have a serious situation in Brazil as a result of a recent visit by the Exodus International Ministry coordinator. Exodus's local coordinator, Dr. Rozangela Justino (who is a licensed psychologist in Brazil) has been asked to go before the licensing board to explain herself and her views on reparative therapy for homosexuals.

"Dr. Justino publicly affirmed that homosexual orientation can change, and that she perceives the orientation as a "kind of psychosexual immaturity." (She was speaking to a lay audience.) This particular meeting, in Bauru (in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo) was one of many held during the month of January and was publicized in the local newspaper.

"There are several gay militant people who are focused on stopping the Exodus message and movement in Brazil. Two years ago in March, they were able to ram through the Psychology Licensing Board a resolution that forbids psychologists from helping change homosexual orientation, even when the client requests it as a therapeutic goal. The resolution goes against human as well as constitutional rights, but it is still intact. There have been very many fruitful conversations with the Christian Psychology/Psychiatry Corps (CPPC) of Brazil - who defend the right for Exodus to proclaim its message of change -- as well as the Licensing Board. But the resolution still stands.

"Rozangela needs our support. She cannot afford to go to court to defend herself. (There is no such thing as malpractice insurance in Brazil.) Exodus Brazil does not have the funds either. We have tried to contact the Rutherford Institute on several occasions but that have never managed to make contact with them.

"Rozangela will need words of wisdom and discernment when she goes before the Board, as well as someone who can accompany her to this meeting as a witness.

"This could well turn into a test case."