Hoylman: So-called LGBT ‘conversion therapy’ is dangerous, destructive and one of the biggest consumer frauds of our time.”

NEW YORK – State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan), the only openly LGBT Member of the New York State Senate, released the following statement urging members of the NYS Senate’s Higher Education Committee to vote today in favor of his and Senator Michael Gianaris’ legislation (S.121) that would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in sexual orientation change efforts -- so-called ‘conversion therapy’ -- with patients under the age of 18 and categorize such efforts as unprofessional conduct, subjecting providers to a possible loss of license.

“So-called LGBT ‘conversion therapy’ is dangerous, destructive and one of the biggest consumer frauds of our time. No therapist should be permitted by the State of New York to attempt to change a young person’s sexual orientation. With LGBT kids already more than twice as likely as their heterosexual peers to have attempted suicide, we have an obligation protect them from the hucksters who peddle this practice, which has been linked to depression, anxiety, drug use and homelessness. Nearly all medical and mental health professional organizations and countless public officials including the President of the United States have called for a ban on ‘conversion therapy’ for minors. It’s past time New York join them and move Senate Bill 121 onto the floor for full consideration by the Senate.”

In February, Governor Cuomo signed an historic executive order cutting financial support for ‘conversion therapy’ by prohibiting all health insurers in New York State from covering the practice, but licensed therapists can still legally attempt to change a young person’s sexual orientation. Senate Bill 121, which is also sponsored by Deputy Democratic Conference Leader Michael Gianaris, would directly prohibit licensed mental health professionals from subjecting minors to sexual orientation change efforts.