Lawmakers in several states are considering legislation that would ban conversion therapy, a controversial practice that’s sometimes touted as a gay “cure” that has proven harmful and been denounced by many, including the American Psychiatric Association.
A bipartisan effort called the “Youth Mental Health Protection Act” being pushed in West Virginia says “being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming,” citing the APA’s findings on conversion therapy as proof a ban is needed.
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The U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider arguments against California’s ban on conversion therapy in 2014, paving the way for the state to end the practice for children under 18.
