Commenter:
Patricia Mitchell, First Congregational Christian, United Church of Christ
Ban conversion therapy, please
Please hear these words:
These dangerous and discredited practices are based on the false claim that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) is a mental illness that needs to be cured—a view with no scientific basis.
This guidance protects young people from state-licensed therapists in Virginia who falsely claim to parents and youth that being LGBTQ is a mental illness, and therefore taking advantage of parents and harming vulnerable youth.
These harmful practices use rejection, shame, and psychological abuse to force young people to try and change who they are.
Please ban this harmful practice--it does not work, it is unnecessary & it is unethical. Thank you.