UPDATE: There is now one less state where you can try and turn your kid straight, after Republican Governor Bruce Rauner signed off on a bill banning conversion therapy throughout Illinois. (8/21/15)



UPDATE: The Obama administration has announced its support for bans on LGBTQ conversion therapy. However, the President won’t be pushing for a federal law, but will instead advocate for bans at the state level. (4/8/15)



Senate File 334, a bill designed to ban gay conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth under the age of 18, was passed in Iowa this week. However, it still needs to get through the House, which The Des Moines Register predicts will be tough going thanks to the House’s Republican majority.

The attempt in Iowa, though, highlights the pervasive nature of reparative therapy throughout the U.S. Though the efficacy of the practice—to say nothing of the ethical issues—has been denounced by all major mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association, only three jurisdictions have enacted legislation that prohibits it: California, New Jersey, and recently, Washington, D.C.

Similar laws are being considered in West Virginia and Oregon, as well as 15 other states, but it doesn’t change the fact that 48 states still allow parents to take their gay kids to therapists (often faith-based), in a bid to rid them of their identities. Oklahoma is so passionate about the topic, it passed a law last month that specifically protects a parent’s right to send their children for reparative therapy.

“There may be parents and minors who desire this kind of counseling, and should we deprive them of that choice, particularly if they want to go to a licensed professional?” said Senator Julian Garrett (R-IA), who voted ‘No’ on the bill in Iowa this week. “I believe we ought to leave this choice up to the parent and the minors involved. If they do want it, it should be their right.”

Read More

Toronto Politician Wants To Stop LGBTQ Conversion Therapy (Vocativ)

Some States Are Taking A Stand Against Controversial Gay Conversion Therapy (Huffington Post)

Washington, D.C., Set To Ban Gay Conversion Therapy (Vocativ)