Virginia House Approves Ban on Conversion Therapy
Licensed counselors could no longer attempt to change a youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity under legislation passed by the General Assembly.
The prohibition on “conversion therapy” for those under the age of 18 has been a longstanding goal for LGBTQ advocates.
A handful of Republicans joined Democrats to pass legislation in a 66-27 vote in the House of Delegates on Monday, while the Senate vote on a companion bill last month was a far closer 21-18.
A number of professional associations, including the American Psychiatric Association, say the practice lacks scientific credibility and can cause depression and other mental health problems.
Past attempts to pass a ban through the Republican-controlled legislature have failed.
Advocates have instead pursued stricter regulations from the state’s professional health boards. The bills effectively speed up the multiyear regulatory process underway in the Department of Health Professions.
Adam Trimmer, a self-described conversion therapy survivor and advocate on the issue, turned to conversion therapy as an 18 year-old, after a suicide attempt sparked by rejection from family members and friends. He said religious organizations often bring in licensed counselors as part of their “treatment” for queer youth.
https://vpm.org/news/articles/10299/house-approves-ban-on-conversion-therapy
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