Description
Sexual orientation change efforts
prohibited. Prohibits any health care provider from engaging in sexual
orientation change efforts with any person under 18 years of age. The bill
defines "sexual orientation change efforts" as including the provision
of treatment, interventions, counseling, or services intended to change a
person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expressions, but not
including treatment, interventions, counseling, or services provided to persons
seeking to transition from one gender to another or that provide acceptance,
social support, and identity exploration and development.
What do you need to
know about this legislation?
The
bill would provide that any sexual orientation change efforts attempted on a
patient under 18 years of age by a mental health provider shall be considered
unprofessional conduct and shall subject the provider to discipline by the
provider’s licensing entity.
Why does this
matter?
Services intended to change a
person’s sexual orientation are dangerous, discredited and unethical. Such practices have been rejected by every
mainstream medical and mental health organization, but due to continuing
discrimination and societal bias against LGBT people, some practitioners
continue to conduct conversion therapy. Minors are especially vulnerable, and
conversion therapy can lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness, and
suicide.
How do legislators need to vote?
Legislators
need to vote in favor of this bill to prevent psychological abuse to minors.https://richmondsunlight.com/bill/2015/hb1385/
