I adamantly believe that conversion therapy should be banned as it is a dangerous and discredited practice aimed at changing the sexual orientation or gender identity of young or vulnerable individuals. 

We need to protect our 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.  How can anyone support a practice that uses rejection, shame, and psychological abuse to force someone to try and change who they are.  It's no surprise that these practices are known to be extremely dangerous and can lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts, not to mention exposure to potential pedophiles and other sexual predators.  No young person should ever be shamed by a mental health professional, or anyone for that matter, into thinking that who they are is wrong. Mental health professionals should provide care that is ethical and affirming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people. We can’t allow one more young person to be targeted and hurt by these dangerous and discredited practices. We are Virginia, and we are better than this!