Conversion therapy is a dangerous and discredited practice. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “the potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.”  The Pan American Health Organization says that conversion therapy "lack[s] medical justification and represent[s] a serious threat to the health and well-being of affected people.” Conversion therapy causes significant harm to vulnerable youth and it is antithetical to the values of our great Commonwealth.