On Tuesday, the New York State Legislature voted to ban conversion therapy in a measure that would consider any attempt of the practice on a minor to be, "unprofessional conduct and shall subject the provider to discipline by the provider's licensing entity."

Conversion therapy has long been discredited as a traumatizing process that can amplify or reinforce feelings of shame, stigma, and self-hatred. Yet despite numerous studies saying that such practices are both ineffective and horrid, a study conducted by the UCLA Williams Institute estimates that around 80,000 LGBTQ youth will experience some form of conversion therapy in the coming years.

While New York's bill does not apply to things like counseling services via members of the clergy, or "advice, information, or instruction" provided by non-licensed individuals (churches, organizations, etc.), it’s still regarded as a major victory for LGBTQ rights in New York, especially given that the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, which prohibits the denial of work, housing, or education based on gender expression or identity, passed the Legislature today as well.

“Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming,” the bill reads. “The major professional associations of mental health practitioners and researchers in the United States have recognized this fact for nearly 40 years.”

The bill has historically faced opposition in the New York State Senate, but with a new Democratic majority, the bill was able to pass with a 57-4 vote in the Senate and 134-3 in the Assembly. Soon after Tuesday’s vote, Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted his support for the bill, which he’s expected to sign as early as this week.

Conversion therapy belongs in the dustbin of history. Looking forward to signing this bill and ending this discredited, harmful practice in New York State. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 15, 2019

Once Cuomo signs off on the bill, New York will become the 15th state to ban conversion therapy in the U.S.