House Passes Legislation to Ban Conversion Therapy

(BOSTON) – Representative Malia (D-11th Suffolk) joined her colleagues in the House to pass legislation that will prevent healthcare professionals from engaging in “conversion therapy” including practices that attempt to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

This bill outlines and excludes counseling and healthcare practices that are designed to support an individual and facilitate coping.

According to the American Psychological Association, conversion therapy “may pose serious risk of harm,” such as “confusion, depression, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, shame, social withdrawal, and suicidality”.

Violation of this law would result in a healthcare provider being subject to discipline from their appropriate licensing board, including suspension or revocation of their license.

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