Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick of the 66th Assembly District in Manhattan announces passage of her bill, A.6983A/S.4917A, in the New York State Assembly. “I’m very pleased at the Assembly passage of the ban on ‘conversion therapy’ for minors. The bill received a resounding bi-partisan vote,” said Glick.

This bill will protect youth from so-called “conversion therapists” who use dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. These practices are known to be extremely dangerous and can lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide. The nation’s leading mental health associations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and the American Academy of Pediatrics among others have issued position statements warning about the dangers of these practices.

“We stand with those, who as professionals, understand the serious damage that has been imposed on young people by deceitful state-licensed therapists who offer a claim, refuted 40 years ago, that being LGBT is a mental illness that needs to be cured,” exclaimed Glick. “I am hopeful that the bill will be taken up by the Senate,” Glick stated.