SPOKANE, Wash. – A handful of states across the U.S. have banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth and Washington is set to join them.
The debate has gone on for quite some time throughout the country.
On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee will sign a ban on conversion therapy, which refers to controversial techniques aimed at changing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ advocates will join Inslee at the signing.
Inslee sent KREM 2 a statement yesterday.
“There is no credible evidence that conversion therapy can change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Many other states have laws or regulations protecting youth from the practice of conversion therapy,” he wrote.
There are nine states and several cities that have already banned conversion therapy, including Connecticut, California, Nevada, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New York, New Mexico and Rhode Island.
Many agencies, including the American Psychological Association, have determined that conversion therapy is ineffective and damaging to individuals.