The issue of conversion therapy is one of considerable, fundamental weight. There are countless aspects to it – psychological, social, and personal, to name a few.
Using insane, preposterous methods to force a young person to change his or her sexual orientation is a terrible thing. But is that what we're talking about here? What is conversion therapy actually; is it really what we imagine it to be in our heads, where a young person is put into a torture chamber of sorts or must face intensive psychological pressure until he claims "I'm straight?" Can any conversation between a psychologist and youngster about his or her sexual identity be considered a form of conversion therapy?
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And generally speaking, is the State of Israel authorized in the first place to pervade the lives of its citizens to the extent that it forbids such consultation? Or maybe, similar to the Shabbat-bodega law – can we apply the claim of "stay out of our business and let us live how we want" here as well? As stated, this is a serious issue. But Israel, like in Israel, has turned this into amateur hour. No committee of experts has been formed, the mental healthcare professionals are absent, there isn't a modicum of serious public debate or any examination of the complexities and nuances.
The law was presented by a member of the Opposition for whom this is truly an important issue, but it also served as an opportunity to swipe at the coalition. Members of Blue and White deviated from the coalition line to support the bill, partially as revenge against the Likud for voting in favor of a parliamentary committee to put judges under the Knesset's microscope. They didn't do it because it's important, or because it hurts or saves lives. It was an act of revenge. That's what this country looks like – amateur hour.
This law is just a tiny example of the ineptitude prevalent in this country. We see it on a daily basis: Opening the restaurants and closing them on the drop of a dime; decisions about the country's schools without the education minister; unveiling an economic bailout plan and then changing it almost immediately; cursed bureaucracy; decisions that aren't based on relevant or accurate figures; and too many governmental forums discussing the coronavirus that is encumbering efficient conduct.
There are more than enough reasons and people to blame for this second wave. We, the citizens, must also accept our share of the blame. We met in the pubs, studied Torah together, partied together, ate too close to one another, and didn't practice safe social distancing at protests. But the government didn't really do its part either: The hasty opening of the economy, wasted preparation time, foot-dragging on professional appointments, and the delay in preparing for all the possible, even likely, scenarios.
It's hard to shed the thought that decisions are ultimately being made based on the traditional Israeli method of saying "trust me, everything will be fine," and listening to whoever happens to yell the loudest.
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