This illegitimate and unconstitutional "Ban" proposed by some on the Virginia Board of Medicine is ill-advised and greatly oversteps the boundaries by the government into the private lives and matters of its citizens and infringes on parental rights. 

I will remind you of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Your proposal infringes directly on free exercise of religion and our freedom of speech rights protected in the Constitution.  Moreover, I offer the following obvious points to counter your ban:

• Parents are closest to their children’s challenges and in the best position to ensure their wellbeing.

• Under Virginia law, parents have the fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing, education and care of their children.

• Some young people and adults may have attractions they desire to change or moderate. Others may simply desire medical counsel in choosing a particular therapy. In either instance, there should be options for families and individuals who want to make an informed decision.
 
• The proposal would deny families the freedom to seek counseling aligned with their faith.

• Licensed medical professionals with years of education and experience should not be removed from the process of helping children or adults work through their physical, mental and emotional struggles.

Finally, it is reported that New York City's Council attempted a similar wrong-headed "ban" and then unanimously repealed its "ban" following a federal lawsuit.  Should you decide to go forward with this policy, I will work with other citizens opposed to your actions to sue you in federal court if necessary.  Do not go forward with this poorly conceived document.