Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló, announced that he will sign an executive order to prevent conversion therapy on minors after the House of Representatives rejected a bill to prohibit conversion therapy.
Local media outlet El Vocero de Puerto Rico reported that Rosselló will sign the order in the coming days as indicated by the Federal Affairs Administration of Puerto Rico (PRFAA):
Rosselló said:
As a parent, as a scientist and as governor of everyone in Puerto Rico, I firmly believe that the idea that there are people in our society who need treatment because of their gender identity or who they love is not only absurd, but is harmful to so many children and young people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I fight for Puerto Rico to be a society in which everyone, no matter who they love, can be accepted and live without fear of persecution. This includes the most vulnerable in society, our children, who must be supported and loved. Conversion therapies in no way benefit anyone, only cause unimaginable pain and suffering.
It has been almost 50 years since the American Psychiatric Association declared that homosexuality is not a mental health illness therefore deeming that it cannot be cured or treated in any way.
This executive order will be discussed with the New Progressive Party (PNP) caucus and will not be open for public hearings or to the House Chamber for consideration.
Carmen Yulin Cruz, mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico shared her appreciation and support for Rosselló’s decision:
Las terapias de conversión son inhumanas y pretenden despojar al ser humano de su dignidad. Amor es amor. Es un concepto sencillo. Los compatriotas de la comunidad LGBTT aman punto. Y el amor siempre siempre le gana al odio:SIEMPRE.
— Carmen Yulín Cruz (@CarmenYulinCruz) March 20, 2019
Conversion therapies are inhuman and aim to deprive the human being of their dignity. Love is love. It is a simple concept. The compatriots of the LGBT+ community love it. And love always always beats hatred: ALWAYS.
