The new law makes it illegal for licensed therapists and counselors to try and change the sexual orientation or gender expression of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children.
Nevada is now the seventh state in the US to pass a law banning the practice. California, New Jersey, Illinois, Oregon, Vermont, New Mexico and the District of Columbia have similar laws on the books.
The bill was sponsored by State Senator David Parks, a Democrat from Las Vegas.
‘Nevada has a long record of passing progressive legislation to protect the LGBTQ community with bipartisan support, and I want to thank Governor Sandoval for signing this critical legislation to protect LGBTQ youth,’ Parks said.
‘Banning conversion therapy makes Nevada a safer place for children who are at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. This bill is a major step forward in building a more equal and inclusive state.’
The Human Rights Campaign praised the new law.
‘No child should be put through the dangerous and inhumane practice of conversion therapy,’ said HRC President Chad Griffin.
‘Medical professionals agree this outdated and discredited practice not only doesn’t work, but can also have life-threatening consequences. It is nothing short of child abuse. We thank Governor Sandoval and the Nevada State Legislature for passing these crucially important protections for the state’s LGBTQ youth.’
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