House Votes to Ban Conversion Therapy

February 23, 2023

An MMA-supported bill to ban the use of so called “conversion therapy” on minors passed through the House of Representatives earlier this week.  

Rep. Athena Hollins (DFL-St. Paul), the chief author of the bill (HF 16) referenced the MMA’s position at a press event in support of the bill February 20. 

“It’s been denounced by every mainstream medical and mental health organization,” Hollins said in reference to the MMA and other organization’s support for banning conversion therapy. “It preys on the fears of parents and does irreparable harm to children,” she continued. 

In its letter in support of the bill, the MMA joined other organizations to “recognize that homosexuality and gender diverse identities are not pathological disease states, but rather variations of human sexuality. Conversion therapy presumes that something that is central to a person’s identity is wrong or abnormal. There is no scientific evidence to support a need for conversion therapy since we are not dealing with pathological conditions. The concept of conversion therapy lacks scientific credibility and clinical usefulness.” 

The letter goes on to argue that “research into so-called conversion therapy paints a clear picture of its potential harm, particularly to adolescents and young adults. Conversion therapy can lead to poor self-esteem, self-harm, guilt, anxiety, depression, and possibly suicide.” 

The bill was passed 81-47 by the House. A Senate vote is expected in the coming weeks.