ארכיון רפי פרץ
Photo: AFP
Education Minister retracts support for conversion therapy
'I know conversion therapy is wrong, this is my firm stance,' says Rabbi Rafi Peretz in an open letter to Tel Aviv school principals, who slammed his statements made on a televised interview
Education Minister Rabbi Rafi Peretz retracted his statements about supporting conversion therapy for homosexuals on Tuesday in an open letter.
In a televised interview over the weekend, Peretz said he supports conversation therapy and has performed it, prompting condemnations from politicians, social activists, teachers and even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Education Minister, Rabbi Rafi Peretz (Photo: AFP)
Health officials have said the technique is scientifically dubious and possibly even dangerous and slammed the minister's statements in an open letter and social media posts.
Peretz replied with an open letter to Tel Aviv school principals, after teachers and principals from the LGBT community slammed his statements in the televised interview, and said that he is firmly against such treatments.
"I've always listened to any expression of distress (by students) and sometimes made suggestions to meet professionals (to discuss the issues)," Peretz wrote.
"I never turned a cold shoulder or offered conversion therapy, to which I am firmly against… I know conversion therapy is wrong, this is my firm stance," said Peretz.
"However, it's the right of those who have homosexual tendencies to seek aid and advice with professionals, and receive respectful and loving treatment," he added.
"The education system under my lead will prioritize an education that accepts all Israeli society and all its sectors, communities and faiths."
