The Prosecutor's Office Investigates the Archdiocese of Toledo for Chastity Therapies for Homosexuals

The Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Toledo has initiated proceedings against the Archdiocese of Toledo, the Family Delegation of the Archdiocese, and the Archbishop himself, Francisco Cerro, for offences related to organising therapies based on chastity aimed at homosexuals.

The Prosecutor's Office has opened proceedings following a complaint by the Spanish Association Against conversion therapies which specifies that the ultra-Catholic association "Courage International" has one of its headquarters in the Archdiocese of Toledo, where it has the infrastructure to conduct such therapies. The complainant group also notes that this association is violating the LGTBI Law of Castilla-La Mancha and highlights the passivity of the Junta de Castilla-La Mancha in this matter.

When asked about this complaint, the Equality Minister of this community, Sara Simón, stated on Thursday that "these therapies have neither legal nor moral justification, and we will now be very attentive to the investigations carried out by the Prosecutor's Office itself." "If there is any reason for the Government of Castilla-La Mancha to act, it will certainly do so without any doubt," she added.

"Courage International" defines itself as "an apostolate of the Catholic Church that offers companionship and spiritual support to men and women who experience same-sex attractions and have freely chosen to live in chastity." Founded in the United States in 1980, it now has more than 175 chapters worldwide. The "therapy" it offers is based on chastity and community prayer. Its members are "parents, spouses, siblings, relatives, and friends of people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community who seek to maintain and strengthen their family bond while remaining faithful to their faith," explains this association.