About Course
With identity politics still on the rise, recent years have seen a great number of questionable legislative projects across the globe. Out of these, so-called “conversion therapy bans” and “self-identification-laws” have a worrying potential to cause severe harm – and, in some countries, already do. First and foremost, the detrimental force is felt by persons suffering from an unwanted sexual attraction, or from gender dysphoria and seeking assistance that is not blindly affirmative. Furthermore, these laws affect (mental) health professionals, pastors and many other.
Rather than dignity and rights, these new laws put a broad concept of human autonomy as the highest value and can easily become the source of irreversible damage and great confusion. This is a dramatic shift in the law and the welfare system and it will require knowledge and courage to take on these developments.
Looking at practical examples, tracing the broader philosophical background as well as implications for society, the session will close in on
– What are the distinct dangers of Self-ID laws and conversion bans?
– What are typical constellations where these dangers manifest?
– Who is affected and what can be done to mitigate the risk?
– Is there a potential for strategic litigation, what are the risks and benefits?
