Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Multiple Boards
Guidance Document Change: Consistent with the established position of the NASW, the Board considers “conversion therapy” or “sexual orientation change efforts” to be services that have the potential to be a danger to clients, especially minors. Thus, under regulations governing practitioners licensed or registered by the Board, practicing conversion therapy/sexual orientation change efforts with minors could result in a finding of misconduct and disciplinary action against the licensee or registrant.
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5/14/19  12:04 am
Commenter: Ron and Deanna B

The State can't dictate to children what they're permitted to talk about
 

One reason the Constitution exists is to prevent the tyranny of a minority, even a well-intentioned minority. 

How is it possible that gender is fluid, but sexual attraction is concretely set from birth? 

The State certainly doesn't have the right to tell either adults or children what their sexual orientation is, nor the right to prevent an adult or child from trying to modify their sexual orientation with the help of a professional. 

Please also consider the following points:

  • Parents are closest to their child’s challenges and are in the best position to identify solutions and to make healthcare decisions involving the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of their child.
  • Under Virginia law, parents have the fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing, education and care of their children.
  • Some young people may have attractions they desire to change or moderate. Others may simply desire guidance from a social worker to live a chaste life. In either instance, there should be options for families to make informed decisions.
  • A ban would deny families the religious freedom to seek counseling aligned with their faith.
  • Because the proposed defintion and ban would cover all communication between a social worker and the client, there is a serious risk that children and families will lose the right to client "self-determination" in setting care goals (a core principle of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics).

 

 

 

 

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