EDITOR:
A child is taken to a doctor by their parents despite the child pleading they’re fine. The doctor also asserts the child is ill and begins using a practice deemed harmful and ineffective by most doctors and major professional organizations, including the American Medical Association and American Psychological Association. In fact, nine states have passed laws to ban the practice. The child begins exhibiting symptoms of depression, low self-worth, and suicidal ideation.
House Bill 18-1245 will prevent this scenario by prohibiting licensed mental health practitioners from engaging in an unethical practice referred to as “conversion therapy” with minors. These harmful techniques aim to change sexual orientation or gender identity, and substantial research indicates these methods are ineffective, unethical, and falsely imply LGBTQ persons are mentally ill, inferior, or in need of repair. We must advocate for the protection of LGBTQ minors against this dangerous and discredited practice.
— Apryl Alexander, Aurora