(Washington, D.C., December 2, 2014)—Today, the District of Columbia Council unanimously approved a bill that will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy.
When signed into law, Washington, D.C. will become the third jurisdiction—behind California and New Jersey—to pass legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from practices that are known to cause severe depression and even suicide.
“Today, the DC Council sent a powerful message to LGBTQ youth and their families that they are accepted, supported, and loved,” said Sam Ames, NCLR staff attorney and coordinator of the #BornPerfect campaign at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). “The Council has used its authority to protect our most vulnerable youth from dangerous and discredited pseudoscience that tells them who they are is wrong, and reaffirmed the consensus of every major medical and mental health organization that all children are born perfect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
NCLR, in conjunction with other organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, played a key role in organizing the coalition behind the bill, which was authored by Councilmember Mary M. Cheh. A broad range of groups supported the Youth Mental Health Protection Act, including national LGBTQ organizations, mental health organizations, faith leaders, youth advocates, reproductive justice groups, and civil rights organizations.
Earlier this year, NCLR launched the #BornPerfect campaign to protecting LGBTQ youth across the country from conversion therapy over the next five years by passing laws, fighting in courtrooms to ensure their safety, and raising awareness about the serious harms caused by these dangerous practices.
Learn more about #BornPerfect at www.NCLRights.org/BornPerfect.