Minnesota House votes to ban conversion therapy for minors

Mental health providers in Minnesota would be prohibited from performing conversion therapy - a discredited practice that seeks to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity - on minors and vulnerable adults under a bill passed by the state House on Monday.

The DFL-controlled House voted 81-47 to approve the bill, which also would ban medical assistance coverage of conversion therapy and prohibit providers from misrepresenting the service.

"These treatments are ineffective and lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, self-harm and suicide," said state Rep. Athena Hollins, DFL-St. Paul, who sponsored the bill in the House. "We must move past the idea that queer people can choose their sexuality and gender identity and let them show up as their full, glorious, authentic selves."

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-house-to-vote-on-banning-conversion-therapy-for-minors/600253068/