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Sen. Patty Murray Calls On Federal Regulators To Ban 'Conversion Therapy' For Gay Youth

John Taylor via Creative Commons
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What’s known as “conversion therapy” — designed to turn gay kids ?straight — is legal in most states, including Washington. U.S. Senator Patty Murray is calling for a nationwide ban on the practice.

Sexual orientation change efforts, commonly called “conversion therapy,” can provoke feelings of guilt, and bring on depression and anxiety in adolescents. It’s been widely discredited by the medical and counseling community and experts say it flat-out doesn’t work. That’s why U.S. Senator Patty Murray is calling on the federal agency that stands up for consumers to end it.

“It really has no place in our country and I hope the Federal Trade Commission will take some steps to stop this really harmful and fraudulent practice. And I want to continue to push for ways for all people, regardless of who they are, are treated equally and with respect,” said Murray.

So far, conversion therapy is banned in five states – Oregon, California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York – as well as Washington D.C.

The Washington State Legislature considered a bill last session, but it died in the Senate.