I support the proposed ban on conversion therapy, which is really a misnomer. The position of the American Counseling Association is that this is an unethical and harmful practice, and the dangers of this type of aprpoach have been documented. In fact, the evidence supports gay affirmative approaches to counseling and therapy.

I hope that Virginia will stand against this practice as a measure of protecting the public and recognizing what all the major counseling, medical, and psychological associations have decades ago - and that is that sexual orientation is not a disease. Thus the concept of therapy to correct it is illogical, and furthermore denigrating to any and all who do not fit heternormative norms. Please prevent this practice which places our youth, especially, at significant risk of mental health disorders and, at worst, suicide.

Dr. Manis