Conversion therapy -- the practice of trying to change one's sexual or gender orientation -- is condemned by the American Psychological Association and the World Psychiatric Organization. It is not only ineffective, but extremely damaging to patients. Despite being linked to higher rates of suicide, high-risk sexual behaviors, substance abuse and low self-esteem, only a handful of states ban the practice.
A recent LGBT conference held in Asheville, North Carolina, held workshops on ending conversion therapy. According to Southern Poverty Law Center attorney Sam Wolfe, “The theory that a gay person can be ‘fixed’ furthers the appearance of ‘other’ and ‘less than.'" Wolfe knows several people who have committed suicide or had suicidal thoughts after going through the "therapy."
Conversion therapy supporters argue that a ban would infringe upon free speech rights, but "free speech" does not include the right to psychologically abuse children to the point of self-harm and suicide. Please sign the petition to urge North Carolina to create legislation to ban LGBT conversion therapy for minors in their state.
I am writing in hopes of ending the harmful, ineffective practice of conversion therapy for minors in North Carolina.
Conversion therapy -- the practice of trying to change one's sexual or gender orientation -- is condemned by the American Psychological Association and the World Psychiatric Organization. It is not only ineffective, but extremely damaging to patients. Despite being linked to higher rates of suicide, high-risk sexual behaviors, substance abuse and low self-esteem, only a handful of states ban the practice.
A recent LGBT conference held in Asheville, North Carolina, held workshops on ending conversion therapy. According to Southern Poverty Law Center attorney Sam Wolfe, “The theory that a gay person can be ‘fixed’ furthers the appearance of ‘other’ and ‘less than.'" Wolfe knows several people who have committed suicide or had suicidal thoughts after going through the "therapy."
Conversion therapy supporters argue that a ban would infringe upon free speech rights, but "free speech" does not include the right to psychologically abuse children to the point of self-harm and suicide. I respectfully urge you to ban LGBT conversion therapy for minors in your state. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this petition.
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