A California bill labeling conversion therapy as a fraudulent business practice has passed the State Senate by a vote of 21 to 11. The bill returned to the Assembly for a concurrence vote, to be completed by August 31st.
The American Psychological Association has denounced the practice of conversion therapy as unsupported by evidence and posing a health risk to patients since 2009, with the American Psychiatric Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and the American Medical Association currently taking the same stance.
Though the bill would only apply to conversion therapy involving a financial transaction (families and religious groups would still be able to practice under freedom of speech), it would be an important step in delegitimizing and diminishing the practice.
“This legislation finally creates accountability for those who claim to provide therapy, but are in face peddling an unfounded and destructive practice,” said LGBT+ identifying Assemblyman Evan Low, who authored the bill.
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