Action | Unprofessional conduct - conversion therapy |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 8/7/2019 |
It's a matter of choice and Virginia families should be free to make the choice that is best for them, which may lead them to conversion therapy. Also, Virginian's in general should have the right to make this decision for themselves as to a certain type of counseling they may want in pursuit of their well being.
Banning this type of counseling is not in keeping with our Virginia Constitution's Article 1. Bill of Rights: "<snip>...the enjoyment of life and liberty, ...and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article1/section1/
Nor is banning this type of counseling in keeping with Article 16. Free exercise of religion; no establishment of religion: "No man shall be ...nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities. <snip> ...it shall be left free to every person to select his religious instructor, and to make for his support such private contract as he shall please."
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article1/section16/
Banning this type of counseling infringes on Virginian's pursuit of happiness, and on their making a private counseling contract as they please. Consequently such counseling should not be banned.
I thought this explanation was helpful regarding this matter. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/sexuality/leaving-homosexuality/the-right-to-counseling-for-unwanted-same-sex-attractions