American Psychoanalytic Association Apologizes for Classifying Homosexuality as Mental Illness

The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) has apologized for previously treating homosexuality as a mental illness, reported U.S. News.

Dr. Lee Jaffe, the president of APsaA, issued a statement apologizing for the past classification on Friday (June 21) at the opening session of the group’s 109th annual meeting.

“It is long past time to recognize and apologize for our role in the discrimination and trauma caused by our profession and say. ‘We are sorry,’” Dr. Jaffe said. “It’s hard to admit that one has been so wrong.”

The APsaA classified homosexuality as a mental disorder until 1991, when they only removed it under threat of an anti-discrimination lawsuit. However, the APsaA has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights as of late, endorsing marriage equality and standing against conversion therapy.

The APsaA is thought to be the first professional medical organization to issue an apology for years of classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder.