Please do not attempt to establish by regulatory direction what the Virginia Legislature has refused to legislate. Note the following bulleted items:

1. Parents are the closest to their child's life challenges; they are in the best position to make healthcare decisions involving the well being of their child.
2. Under Virginia law, parents have the primary right to make decisions regarding the upbringing, education, and health care of their children.
3. Some young people may experience attraction that they may not fully understand. These children under the guidance of their parents, trusted counselors, and trusted clergy will be able to weather through these temporary difficulties with the influence or regulation from the state.
4. The proposed ban would deny families the freedom to seek counseling aligned with their respective faiths.
5. Consultation with duly licensed professionals with years of education and experience should not be removed from the process of helping and healing children to work through these sensitive and emotionally personal issues.