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Updated, Wednesday, 3:11 p.m. PST
The California State Senate has approved SB 1172, which will prohibit mental health providers in California from providing “ex-gay" reparative/conversion therapy to minors. It will also prevent them from administering the therapy to adults without expressed consent.
More after the jump.
Senate Bill 1172 must now be approved by the Assembly and signed by the Governor.
According to San Diego Gay & Lesbian News, the bill, authored by Senator Ted Lieu and co-sponsored by Equality California, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Mental Health America of Northern California, Gaylesta, and Lambda Legal, "would make California the first state in the nation to ban licensed mental health professionals from engaging in sexual orientation change efforts of any kind for a minor patient, regardless of a parent's willingness or desire to authorize participation in such programs."
Lieu says, “Being lesbian or gay or bisexual is not a disease or mental disorder for the same reason that being a heterosexual is not a disease or a mental disorder. The medical community is unanimous in stating that homosexuality is not a medical condition.”
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Original Post
Legislation seeking to ban "ex-gay" reparative/conversion therapy for minors in California is set to hit the California Senate floor on Wednesday.
According to LGBT POV, the bill, SB 1172, – would ban so-called “reparative therapy” for any minor under the age of 18 – even if their parents want it. Adults seeking the therapy for themselves would have to give informed consent.
Equality California, the LGBT lobbying group who drafted SB 1172 alongside California state Senator Ted Lieu, released the following statement:
"Tomorrow, [WEDNESDAY, MAY 30] the California Senate will likely vote on this important piece of legislation. Opponents of equality have mobilized in an effort to defeat this bill and it’s critical that members of the Senate hear from Californians like you who support Senate Bill 1172 prior to the floor vote on Wednesday.
This is one of the most important bills we have ever sponsored. Take a moment to take action now:
1) Send a letter of support for SB 1172 to your elected representative in the California Assembly.
2) Help us spread the word with family and friends on Facebook and Twitter and ask them to send a letter in support of SB 1172 too.
3) Please consider making a gift in to support Equality California’s work on this bill and ongoing advocacy on behalf of LGBT youth."
California Instincters, might we suggest giving your reps a shout leading up to tomorrow's floor debate?
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