As a mental health practitioner and therapist, I am shocked and outraged to see that individuals who consider themselves professionals are attempting to continue to use a psychologically damaging and trauma-inducing type of “therapy” to “ban” what is known to be a clear difference in sexual orientation. Being Gay is not a choice but an aspect of one’s genetic makeup and sexual preference. An inherent aspect of one’ s self can not be “converted” into a different aspect that someone else (such as a parent) prefers. Evidence-based research consistently shows traumatic and damaging outcomes from use of conversion therapy. And for those who say “it’s a first amendment issue”, my response is that the first amendment does NOT provide for damaging psychological treatment of ANY kind to be forced upon anyone. Where are the rights for those against whom this treatment is forced or attempted?