BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts House lawmakers are set to debate legislation that would ban so-called “gay conversion therapy” for minors.
Ban supporters say the practice — which aims to alter a person’s sexual orientation — is widely discredited by medical and mental health associations and can lead to depression and suicide in young people.
Opponents, including the Massachusetts Family Institute, say the legislation would impose criminal liability on health professionals who counsel children struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion.
The House bill would allow non-licensed religious or faith-based counselors providing pastoral counseling.
A similar bill was approved by lawmakers last summer but stalled in the session’s final hours.
Republican Gov. Charlie Baker says he’s inclined to approve the measure.
If approved, Massachusetts would become the 16th state to outlaw the practice.
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