One lawmaker in Virginia says he will introduce legislation in the upcoming session to outlaw “reparative therapy” of LGBT+ youth.
It’s in response to a billboard that went up in the Richmond area stating emphatically no one is born gay and it can be cured.
“There’s is no on/off switch for sexual orientation, and putting this bill in is necessary to send that message.”
Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington County)
Quoted from LGBTQNation
Proponents say such bills prohibit free speech.
The billboard was also the subject of another news story, where the model used for the billboard says he has no twin as depicted on the billboard and that he is an out-and-proud gay man. The billboard causing the firestorm was paid for by Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX).
The American Medical Association “opposes, the use of “reparative” or “conversion” therapy that is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her homosexual orientation.”
California, New Jersey and the District of Columbia have legislation in place banning reparative therapy. Attempts to have it banned in other states are planned in the coming year.