Liberals outraged over Dutch government funding of therapy for homosexuals
Image via WikipediaJanuary 19, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A Dutch Christian organization that that offers psychological treatment for homosexuals and is funded in part by the government is under attack by leftist politicians who are outraged at the suggestion that homosexuality might be understood as a mental disorder, according to the Spanish news service EFE.
EFE reports that the organization, which is called “Different,” offers “psychological help regarding homosexuality and relationships” based on “Christian beliefs.”
The page adds that “it has been demonstrated that people with homosexual orientation experience great obstacles to talking about their feelings.”
Although the site reportedly mentions nothing about reparative therapy and does not go into detail regarding the nature of its treatment, the Liberals in Government (VVD) party has expressed its indignation at the mere possibility that homosexual orientation might be seen in a negative light by the group.
The Netherlands’ Minister of Health, Edith Schippers, has promised to “put an end” to the reimbursements given by the government to Different, stating that “homosexuality is not an illness and as such it cannot enter into the (health insurance) coverage package.”
The objections of the VVD party are echoed by the Liberal Democrats, who call the service provided by Different “idiotic and damaging.” The Christian Democrats have asked to see more details about the service before commenting, according to EFE.
