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Conversion therapy ban dead in committee

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A bill to ban conversion therapy is likely dead after House and Senate negotiators failed to agree on a compromise version.

HB 1661 would prohibit any professional counselor from providing therapy that aims to change the sexual orientation of a person under eighteen years-old.

The House and Senate both passed HB 1661.  However, the Senate limited the scope of the bill and added the statement, "Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to infringe on any constitutional right, including the free exercise of religion."

The House did not agree with that change, so a conference committee of four Representatives and three Senators convened to draft a compromise bill.  One Representative said he would agree to nothing but the House version of the bill; one Senator said the bill needed extensive revisions and should be re-introduced next year.  The conference committee adjourned without any agreement.

"I am extremely disappointed that the committee of conference members failed to reach an agreement on this common-sense legislation that would have banned the harmful and scientifically unsound practice of conversion therapy on minors," said Gov. Maggie Hassan.  "Failing to pass this legislation, which had overwhelming support from both parties, further advances the false premise that LGBT individuals need to be cured." 

Opponents of a ban are pleased that legislators failed to reach a compromise.  Those opponents, including some religious organizations, argue that a ban on conversion therapy violates parents’ rights to choose how to raise their children.  They dispute studies that show any harm from conversion therapy, and argue that any ban is motivated by political movements to normalize homosexuality.

When the LFDA asked our community about this issue last year, the majority supported a ban.  Click here to read more about the discussion.

Do you support a ban on gay conversion therapy for minors?  Let us know in the comments.

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