Islamic exorcisms used as conversion therapy as Indonesian city moves against LGBT population

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12/05/2018

An Indonesian city has launched a new campaign to “cleanse” LGBT people of their “social sickness” through religious exorcisms, a move that’s been seen as part of the country’s growing intolerance towards the community.  Local media recently reported that police in Padang had apprehended 18 couples for “psychological support and rehabilitation” — 10 were women identified as lesbians, and eight were transgender. The belief is that homosexuality and transgenderism are caused by a mental health disorder triggered by supernatural and demonic influences known as “djinn”, which can be cured through a ruqyah, or exorcism, to expel the spirits.

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