City Council considers ban on ‘conversion therapy’ in Seattle
The Seattle City Council is considering an ordinance that would ban mental-health counselors from using so-called “conversion therapy” to try to make gay youth straight.
The legislation proposed by Councilmember M. Lorena González would make the practice of conversion therapy on minors by licensed medical or mental-health professionals punishable by fines of up to $1,000. It would also prohibit the advertising of conversion therapy.
“For many years, in cities and states throughout the country, a variety of organizations and therapists have claimed that they can use talk therapy to successfully ‘treat’ same sex attractions and make a person straight,” says a memo from the council’s central staff to the council’s civil rights committee, which will take up González’s proposal Tuesday.
“Though some people claim to be cured of their homosexuality, professional medical and mental-health organizations have taken the position that conversion therapy is ineffective and can be harmful, particularly to minors.”
Read more: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/city-council-considers-ban-on-conversion-therapy-in-seattle/
= new reply since forum marked as read
Kick in to the DU tip jar?
This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.
As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.