conversion therapy bill.jpg

Several people testified in support of a bill banning conversion therapy. Pictured are testifiers From left Jeana Frazzini, Jason Zenobia and Arthur Saffir, Zenobia's dad.

(Basic Rights Oregon)

SALEM -- The Oregon House approved a bill Tuesday aimed at banning "conversion therapy" for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

The bill would ban mental health care providers from using so-called conversion therapy -- a practice that tries to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity -- on people younger than 18.

Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting House Bill 2307: Minority Leader Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte; Julie Parrish, R-West Linn; John Davis, R-Wilsonville; Knute Buehler, R-Bend; Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario; Mark Johnson, R-Hood-River; and Greg Smith, R-Heppner. The bill now heads to the Senate.

"Today was really strong support for the bill," said Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon. "I think we're in a really strong position to get it passed."

California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., have passed bills banning the practice therapy. Lawmakers in a dozen other states are considering similar legislation.

-- Ian K. Kullgren

503-294-4006; @IanKullgren