So-called "conversion therapy" is a thoroughly discredited practice without scientific basis. It has been opposed by the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Health Organization.

This practice attempts to change sexual orientation, an aspect of human personality that is thoroughly understood not to be harmful and not to be a mental disorder. Further, Shidlo & Schroeder (2002) found that the practice is highly ineffective in changing an individual's attraction, thoughts, or behavior.

Further, the practice is dangerous. It inflicts shame, guilt, and rejection from one's family upon the client. In LGBT children and young adults, such conditions are highly predictive of negative health outcomes (Ryan et al, 2009).

Conversion therapy is thus a sham at best and a form of psychological abuse at worst. This practice should therefore be outlawed, in particular its use on non-consenting minors. Those arguing for this practice in the name of "parental rights" may as well be arguing for the right of parents to subject their children to lobotomies.