Gay exorcism

Gay exorcisms,[1] similar to demonic exorcisms, are where an exorcist evicts "homosexual demons"[2] or other spiritual entities from an LGBT individual. These exorcisms are intended to "remove" homosexuality from an individual. Reports of these exorcisms still occur in modern times, but are usually kept secret within the church.[3][4]

Cases

Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow, a minister in California,[5] said he had been subjected to anti-gay exorcism himself in the 1990s, which “caused nothing but shame and embarrassment”.[6]

In 2009 a case in Connecticut was recorded on video. A 16-year-old boy was beaten in a church for 20 minutes by a group of church leaders acting as exorcists shouting "sacraments" such as, "Pray out the gay!", and "Foul Queer, be not here!" The video was later released on YouTube.[7][8][9]

United Kingdom

In 2022, the Church of England launched a formal investigation into allegations that Matthew Drapper, a gay man, was subjected to an exorcism at St Thomas Philadelphia Church in Sheffield in 2014. Drapper stated he was told to repeatedly shout prayers to expel "homosexual demons" during a 20-minute session that left him "cramping up and struggling to breathe." A Church of England inquiry confirmed the prayer session was "a form of exorcism."[10]

In July 2025, St Thomas Philadelphia reached an out-of-court settlement with Drapper, including a five-figure compensation payment — believed to be the first legal settlement of its kind in the United Kingdom.[11]

In a separate case, a man in Warrington reported being pushed to the floor with a large Bible on his head and forced into an "exorcism" as part of gay conversion therapy at a local church.[12]

Indonesia

In Indonesia, faith-based exorcisms known as ruqyah are used as a form of gay conversion therapy. Practitioners read verses of the Quran to participants while believing that homosexuality is caused by possession by malevolent spirits known as djinn. One practitioner described striking patients on their back with a broomstick as part of the procedure. An Indonesian television programme named Ruqyah broadcast such rituals, including one performed on an allegedly gay man.[13]

In 2019, police in Padang arrested 18 same-sex couples and forced them to undergo conversion exorcisms.[14]

Scotland

In 2024, as the Scottish government sought to ban conversion therapy, the Forward in Faith Church International — a group that practises gay exorcism — was reported to be seeking charity status in Scotland. The National Secular Society raised the alarm, noting the group believes in conducting exorcisms to "deliver gay men from the homosexual spirit."[15]

Botswana

In 2024, the Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) publicly called on Pentecostal churches to stop performing exorcisms on LGBTQ+ people, describing the practice as "inhuman and barbaric" and warning of its potential to cause serious psychological harm.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ Pelton, Robert W. (1979), Confrontations with the Devil!, A. S. Barnes, p. 149, ISBN 978-0-498-01807-7
  2. ^ Shidlo, Ariel; Schroeder, Michael; Drescher, Jack (2002), Sexual conversion therapy: ethical, clinical, and research perspectives, Routledge, p. 79, ISBN 978-0-7890-1911-0
  3. ^ Mims, Robert (May 4, 1990). "Gay Rights Activists Blast Program Claiming Homosexual Reversal". The Associated Press.
  4. ^ Turner, Allan (June 12, 2005). "In The Shadows Of Hate; Many Gay Teens Are Living With Scars Of Abuse; Whether they're mean words or violent attacks, the pain can shatter the lives of youths already struggling to find acceptance, advocates say". The Houston Chronicle.
  5. ^ "Staff & Interns - CLGS". clgs.org. Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  6. ^ Pidd, Helen (25 June 2009). "YouTube video shows church 'exorcism' of gay teenager: Manifested Glory Ministries denies any wrongdoing but gay advocates demand an investigation". The Observer.
  7. ^ Ramos, Andrew (24 June 2009). "Apparent Gay Exorcism in Conn. Church Causes Outrage". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 30 January 2011. Retrieved 2010-02-27.
  8. ^ "Church's gay exorcism video creates stir". NBC News. 25 June 2009. Retrieved 2010-02-27.
  9. ^ Bolcer, Julie (June 25, 2009). "Church Posts Gay "Exorcism" Video". Advocate.com. Retrieved 2010-02-28.
  10. ^ "Conversion therapy: Gay man talks of church 'exorcism' trauma". BBC News. 2022-02-01. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  11. ^ "Gay man subjected to 'exorcism' at Sheffield church receives compensation". The Guardian. 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  12. ^ "Conversion therapy: Man tells of abuse at Warrington church". BBC News. 2022-02-02. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  13. ^ "Islamic 'gay' exorcisms sign of growing conservatism in Indonesia". SBS News. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  14. ^ "Indonesians Are Turning to Exorcisms to 'Cure' Members of the LGBT Community". Vice. 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  15. ^ "Activists sound alarm as gay exorcism cult seeks foothold in Scotland". The Advocate. 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  16. ^ "Human rights group cautions against church "exorcisms" for LGBTQ+ people". TABOOM Media. 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2026-06-12.


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