Vermont Senate Votes to Ban Anti-Gay Conversion Therapy

Lawmakers on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to advance the bill

MONTPELIER, Vt.—The Vermont Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed legislation that would ban anti-gay so called “conversion therapy” for LGBT youth and others.

After receiving a crush of support in a vocal vote, the bill now must receive a final vote in the state Senate before heading to the Vermont House for debate.

By deeming it unprofessional conduct, according to the Associated Press, the legislation would make it unlawful for a medical or mental health professional to utilize anti-gay “conversion” techniques—which countless studies have shown to be psychologically damaging and traumatizing—with patients under the age of 18, who cannot legally consent.

The Associated Press reports that, “Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell said he was surprised to learn Vermont had not banned conversion therapy already. He called the practice abhorrent.


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