Regulators appeal Brazil ruling that OK’d ‘cure’ for gays

SAO PAULO – The professional council that oversees psychologists in Brazil is challenging a federal judge’s ruling that psychologists can treat homosexuality as a disease.

Judge Waldemar Claudio de Carvalho ruled last week that psychologists could use sexual orientation conversion therapies.

That overruled a 1999 decision by the Federal Council of Psychology banning use of such practices that are purported to “cure” gay people.

The council says on its website that it filed the appeal in a federal court on Thursday. It says the judge’s ruling violates human rights and has no scientific basis.