Child psychiatrist investigated in Belgium over 'conversion attempt' allegations

A Belgian child psychiatrist faces a police investigation for allegedly attempting "conversion therapy" on transgender youth, highlighting growing concerns and legal complexities surrounding gender identity in healthcare. The investigation is rooted in a law that criminalizes efforts to alter or dissuade individuals from their perceived gender identity.

This situation mirrors debates in Sweden, where a similar law is set to take effect on July 1. The law broadly prohibits attempts to influence individuals to change or reject their gender identity. Experts like Professor Agnes Wold have stated they would take legal action to "convert" a grandchild experiencing gender dysphoria, even if it meant facing imprisonment, underscoring the intense debate surrounding such interventions.

In Belgium, where such laws were enacted in 2023, healthcare professionals are particularly anxious. They fear being branded "transphobic" if they do not immediately affirm a young patient's self-perceived gender identity. This apprehension makes treating individuals experiencing gender dysphoria challenging, according to prominent doctors.

Sophie Dechêne, a Belgian child psychiatrist and a vocal critic of current gender discourse concerning minors, stated during an EU Parliament debate that healthcare providers are afraid. She noted that professionals risk up to two years in prison if found guilty of conversion attempts. Dechêne herself is under investigation. She argues that children are being misled into believing they can change their sex, which she contends is impossible, stating that bodies can only be altered to more closely resemble the opposite sex. This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism about the medical and social transition of minors.