Sexual Orientation and Human Rights in the Ethics Code of the Psychology and Counseling Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran (PCOIRI)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the necessity of revising the Ethics Code of the Psychology and Counseling Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran (PCOIRI) with respect to people’s rights and dignity and to avoid unfair discriminations toward sexual orientation and gender identity. It is said that confused diagnoses; wrong decision making; unethical practice; and the subsequent harm caused to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients result from the lack of a clear code and relevant guidelines. In addition, certain conditions in Iran (such as religious perspectives, laws, cultural biases, misunderstandings, a lack of local academic and scientific resources, and Western conspiracy theories) lead professional psychologists and researchers to avoid researching sexual minorities and gender identity, which negatively impacts the Ethics Code of the PCOIRI. Iranian and Western researchers have identified four primary sources to which psychologists and counselors can refer when faced with ethical dilemmas: developmental psychology, professional ethics codes, philosophy of psychology literature, and available researches and compilations on professional ethics. Finally it is suggested that, when dealing with homosexual clients and the related ethical dilemmas, Iranian psychologists and counselors need clear and specific guidelines and a professional ethics code developed from more appropriate reference points than legal and religious sources.

Keywords:

• Psychology and Counseling Organization of I. R. Iran’s (PCOIRI) ethics code
• sexual orientation and gender identity
• religion
• law
• cultural biases
• Western conspiracy

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Profound gratitude is owed to Professor Dr. Graham R Davidson. The advice and support that he gave us truly helped the progression and smooth completion of this research article. Very special thanks to Dr. Hossein Kaviani and Dr. Candan Ertubey for their support, insight, and wisdom. Last, but not least, many thank to Paul Snowdon, for his impeccable and meticulous editing.