The legislation will help protect LGBT youth from dangerous therapy practices.
27-year-old Republican lawmaker Eric Schleien proposes legislation banning “conversion” therapy practices aimed at LGBT minors in New Hampshire.
In a statement, the State Representative made his opinions public, saying, “I think our culture grows stronger when we’re able to accept different lifestyles and treat people with honour and respect. I don’t think that’s that radical. You can’t convert people’s sexuality. I think most people get that.”
Although The American Psychological Association (APA) and other essential health organizations have discredited “conversion” therapy, Schleien’s stance on these practices still runs contradictory to the opinions of other Republican lawmakers.
Representative David Bates stated, “There’s no way anyone’s going to convince me that it’s proper or good to ban therapy for children, or a person of any age, that thinks that they are or want to be a gender other than what they biologically are.”
Another State Representative, Josh Moore, believes the legislation would promote legal attacks on churches that preach against homosexuality.
Representative Schleien expects opposition and predicts the arguments will centre mainly around parental rights and religious liberty. The legislation outlines that if a licensed professional is found providing “conversion” therapy to a minor, they would be engaging in unprofessional conduct and would be subject to discipline by the licensing authority.
Schleien has stated the legislation is not to hinder freedom of speech or religion but to protect minors. He said, “Just because you’re under 18 doesn’t mean that someone owns you to the point they can harm you.”
It has been shown that LGBT minors undergoing this treatment are at a higher risk of suicide, depression, and substance abuse. The APA has confirmed that “conversion” therapy methods include inducing nausea while showing homoerotic images, electric shocks, and hypnosis.
New Hampshire would be the fifth state to ban the dangerous practice. The state would join the ranks of California, Washington, DC, New Jersey, Oregon, and Illinois.
