theFeed sion and was considering his options to respond. “I first want to thank those who have supported and followed me throughout my time at KARE 11,” Sundgaard wrote on Facebook. “And, I am especially grateful to those who have sent supportive and kind messages over the last several days since the station so publicly announced that it had parted ways with me — and then published its alleged reasons for doing so. “Your overwhelming support has been incredible. Thanks
to those that have been sharing advice and information with me. Please keep all of this coming — it really does help me get through the days in this strange and difficult time.” He continued: “Many have asked me about KARE11’s post regarding my employment and separation from employment. Here’s what I have to say about that for now: I disagree with and dispute my former employers claims and I am considering my options at this time. Thank you again.”
Deutsche Ban T
Germany bans conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth. By Rhuaridh Marr
HE GERMAN PARLIAMENT HAS PASSED A LAW banning the harmful practice of conversion therapy, which falsely claims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Under the new law, conversion therapy is banned for those under the age of 18, as well as for adults who are forcibly subjected to it. Conversion therapy, which can take the form of talk therapy or more extreme measures such as aversion and electroshock therapy, has been debunked by the American Medical Association and declared ineffective by a number of prominent former conversion therapy — or “ex-gay” — advocates. “Homosexuality is not a disease,” said Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn, who is gay. “That’s why the very term therapy is misleading.” Germany’s ban carries penalties of up to one year in prison for those who carry out conversion therapy. It also bans all advertising for the practice. OutRight Action International, which advocates for the rights of LGBTQ people across the globe, praised German lawmakers for enacting the ban, noting that conversion therapy can involve “brutal, inhuman force.” Executive Director Jessica Stern said in a statement that the German parliament had “sent a powerful message that LGBTIQ people are not in need of change or cure. “At the same time, demand for ‘conversion therapy’ will only decrease if acceptance of LGBTIQ people grows,” Stern said. “I urge authorities in Germany to bolster the legal ban on ‘conver26
MAY 14, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
sion therapy’ with measures designed to promote understanding and inclusion of LGBTIQ people, thus tackling the root causes of these harmful, inhuman practices.” While some critics argued that the ban does not go far enough in protecting all LGBTQ people from conversion therapy, Spahn said that it was limited to LGBTQ youth and those who are forcibly subjected to the practice in order to be able to defend the law in court, Reuters reports. “I want a ban which will be robust, including if it’s brought before the courts,” Spahn said. He added: “Young people are being forced into conversion therapies, and so it is very important that they should find support in the existence of this law: a clear signal that the state does not want this to happen.” Born Perfect, a National Center for Lesbian Rights campaign led by survivors of conversion therapy, praised Germany for banning the practice. “Germany is the first major European country to protect LGBTQ people from this insidious practice, which is one of the primary drivers of suicide and depression among LGBTQ youth,” Mathew Shurka, co-founder of Born Perfect, said in a statement. “Especially during this time, when many LGBTQ people are feeling more isolated and alone than ever, Germany’s leadership is a powerful example of how governments can stand up for LGBTQ youth.” Shannon Minter, executive director of NCLR, called Germany’s leadership on the issue “groundbreaking,” and said
