In December 2015, Cincinnati, OH voted to ban "conversion therapy" -- therapy aimed at changing the sexual or gender orientation of gay and transender persons -- for youths. The discredited therapy is still available elsewhere in the state.
Recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made a historic executive move to prevent all state-operated and state-funded medical facilities from practicing conversion therapy on minors. He also introduced bans on health insurers covering the therapy. New York will join Oregon, California, Illinois and New Jersey as the few states that ban the harmful and ineffective "therapy." Hopefully, Cuomo's actions will inspire other legislators to follow his lead.
The American Psychological Association (APA) found that conversion therapy leads to depression, stress, substance abuse, shame, suicidal ideation, social isolation and other negative feelings and behaviors. The APA has also found that conversion therapy is unlikely to reduce same-sex attraction.
Ohio has already taken a big step against LGBT conversion therapy by banning it in one of its largest cities. Please sign the petition to urge Ohio legislators to ban the practice statewide!
I am encouraged by Cincinnati's ban on LGBT conversion therapy for minors. I'm writing to urge the entire state of Ohio to move forward with banning the counter-productive, discredited practice.
Recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made a historic executive move to prevent all state-operated and state-funded medical facilities from practicing conversion therapy on minors. He also introduced bans on health insurers covering the therapy. New York will join Oregon, California, Illinois and New Jersey as the few states that ban the harmful and ineffective "therapy." Hopefully, Cuomo's actions will inspire other legislators to follow his lead.
The American Psychological Association (APA) found that conversion therapy leads to depression, stress, substance abuse, shame, suicidal ideation, social isolation and other negative feelings and behaviors. The APA has also found that conversion therapy is unlikely to reduce same-sex attraction.
Ohio has already taken a big step against LGBT conversion therapy by banning it in one of its largest cities. I respectfully urge you to ban the practice statewide. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this petition.
