(San Francisco, CA, July 15, 2016)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) calls on the LGBTQ community and the general public to urge delegates to the 2016 Republican National Convention to reject the party’s proposed platform and work to end the dangerous and discredited practice of LGBTQ conversion therapy. Delegates to the convention, which is set to begin Monday, will vote on a platform that includes, among other extreme anti-LGBTQ provisions, a resolution approving the use of so-called “therapies” that attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Such practices have been condemned by every major medical and mental health organization across the country because they are known to lead to extreme depression, substance abuse, and suicide.
“Conversion therapy is fraudulent, dangerous, and anti-family,” said NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter. “It is tragic that the RNC would consider endorsing this deadly practice, which has caused so much harm to young people and their families. Parents need accurate, reliable information about how to love and support an LGBTQ child. This proposal does just the opposite, encouraging families to reject their children and, in so doing, put their lives at risk. These practices destroy families and cause harms that may never be fully healed.”
NCLR is at the forefront of efforts to protect youth and their families from conversion therapy. In 2014, it launched its #BornPerfect campaign to stop the dangerous practice across the country by 2019 by working to pass laws, fighting in courtrooms, and raising awareness.
As part of this effort, NCLR has launched a Twitter campaign to urge delegates to help end conversion and reject it as a platform. Learn more about the campaign at www.NCLRights.org/StopHate.