1. United States
2. Ky.
3. Letter

A statewide ban on conversion therapy for minors is necessary to protect youth from this harmful and discredited practice. However, finding an appropriate balance regarding parental rights and mental health counseling is reasonable. Conversion therapy, particularly when practiced at residential camps or facilities, represents an extreme form of abuse that causes severe trauma and psychological harm to LGBTQ+ youth. Research has shown that conversion therapy is linked to higher rates of attempted suicide, depression, dropout risk, drug use, and risky sexual behaviors among LGBTQ youth. Torturing children through these methods is unacceptable and fails to meet any reasonable middle ground. Our children deserve affirmative, ethical care that prioritizes their wellbeing rather than demonizing their identities. HB 495 "an act relating to mental health counseling services" should be amended to exclude conversion therapy and to defer conversion therapy services to adulthood.