progress

New York State Senator Wants to Ban Gay ‘Conversion’ Therapy for Kids

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: The rainbow flag symbolizing gay pride flies from a pole in Manhattan on June 21, 2011 in New York City. The New York Senate has yet to come to a resolution on the issue of same sex marriage. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: The rainbow flag symbolizing gay pride flies from a pole in Manhattan on June 21, 2011 in New York City. The New York Senate has yet to come to a resolution on the issue of same sex marriage. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Photo: Mario Tama/2011 Getty Images

The damaging practice intended to turn gay youths straight has already been outlawed in California and is up for debate in the New Jersey governor’s office. Now, Manhattan Democrat Brad Hoylman — who happens to be Albany’s only openly gay senator — has brought the controversial issue to the New York State Senate by presenting a bill that would forbid mental health providers from trying to change the sexual orientation of anyone under 18, reports the New York Daily News. Those who “ignored the law would be cited for unprofessional conduct and subject to licensing sanctions.”

Conversion Therapy Ban Presented in NY Senate