House Passes Legislation to Ban Conversion Therapy

March 14, 2019 – (BOSTON) – Representative Liz Malia (11th Suffolk) proudly joined her House colleagues in passing legislation to prevent healthcare professionals from engaging in “conversion therapy,” including practices that attempt to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This is the second time in a calendar year that the bill was passed in the House.

The legislation outlines and excludes from the ban counseling and healthcare practices 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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