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Washington State Leads Multistate Effort to Safeguard Youth from Conversion Practices
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is spearheading a coalition of states in a legal battle to protect young people from the harms of so-called “conversion therapy.” This effort, aimed at upholding existing state laws, underscores a commitment to the well-being and rights of LGBTQ+ youth.
What is Conversion Therapy?
“Conversion therapy” refers to a range of dangerous and discredited practices that falsely claim to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices, often rooted in prejudice and misunderstanding, can include counseling, psychotherapy, and even spiritual interventions. Major medical and mental health organizations, such as the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have resoundingly condemned conversion therapy as ineffective and harmful.
The Legal Challenge
The current legal challenge arises from a lawsuit filed against Maryland’s law prohibiting conversion therapy. Groups seeking to practice these interventions are arguing that such laws violate their constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and religion.
Attorney General Ferguson, along with a coalition of attorneys general from other states, is filing an amicus brief in support of Maryland’s law. An amicus brief (“friend of the court” brief) allows parties not directly involved in a case to offer their expertise and perspective to the court.
Why This Matters
The attorneys general argue that conversion therapy poses significant risks to the mental and physical health of young people. Studies have shown that those subjected to these practices are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide. By supporting laws banning conversion therapy, states are acting to protect vulnerable youth from these potential harms.
Furthermore, the amicus brief emphasizes the states’ rights to regulate professional conduct and protect the health and safety of their residents. This argument underscores the importance of allowing states to enact and enforce laws that safeguard the well-being of their citizens.
Washington State’s Stance
Washington State has already taken a strong stance against conversion therapy, enacting its own law banning the practice on minors. This law reflects the state’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The current multistate effort reinforces this commitment on a national level.
A Broader Movement
The fight against conversion therapy is gaining momentum across the United States. A growing number of states and municipalities have enacted laws prohibiting the practice on minors. This reflects a growing awareness of the harm caused by conversion therapy and a commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ youth.
The Hope for the Future
This multistate effort represents a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to protect young people from the dangers of conversion therapy. By working together, states can send a clear message that these practices are unacceptable and that all youth deserve to grow up in an environment where they are valued, respected, and supported for who they are. It signifies a continuing journey toward a more inclusive and accepting society for everyone.
WA leads multistate fight to protect youth from conversion ‘therapy’
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