Illegal Clinics that claimed to “Cure Homosexuality” were Closed Down

Government of Ecuador Will Sue Illegal Clinics That "Cure" Homosexuality

In Ecuador, about 30 illegal clinics, which claims to give treatment and cure homosexuality, have been closed so far this year. Nicolás Jara, Minister in charge of Public Health estimates that there could be more than 200 such centers in the country.

“(…) It would be very important that (victims) would denounce the cases in order to close down all (illegal clinics),” said Jara.

According to Karen Barba, Causana Foundation representative, it is possible that these “clinics” hide behind drug addicts rehabilitation centers  (apparently legal).

Four years ago, Paola Ziritti, 28, attended one of those “clinics” for 2 years. She says she suffered constant verbal, physical abuse, like being handcuffed for three months without eating, she was hit by the guards that also throw her urine or cold water. She says that she was “losing the strength to live.”

Ziritti still regrets that the clinic remains open, despite having many complaints, because, she says, many of these centers “are a mob who pay money” so that they can not be closed down. (BG)