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Houses passes ban on conversion therapy

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On Wednesday, March 23 the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted to ban conversion therapy for anyone under age eighteen.

Conversion therapy attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation.

Speaking on behalf of the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, Rep. John Fothergill wrote, “The committee heard overwhelming testimony as to the harms of conversion therapy and no evidence that it is even effective.”

The American Psychiatric Association says, “The potential risks of [conversion] therapy are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.”

However, 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 spring, the majority supported a ban.  Click here to read more about the discussion.

Do you support the ban on gay conversion therapy for minors?  Comment below!

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