AMA Backs Nationwide Ban On Ex-Gay Torture

From the American Medical Association:

AMA supports state and federal bans on conversion therapy

The AMA will develop model state legislation and advocate for federal legislation to ban so-called reparative or conversion therapy for sexual orientation or gender identity. The support for legislative bans strengthens AMA’s long-standing opposition to this unscientific practice.

The AMA heard testimony, including first-hand accounts, regarding the significant harms triggered by conversion therapy, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts and attempts.

“It is clear to the AMA that the conversion therapy needs to end in the United States given the risk of deliberate harm to LGBTQ people,” said AMA Board Member William E. Kobler, M.D. “Conversion therapy has no foundation as scientifically valid medical care and lacks credible evidence to support its efficacy or safety.”

Only 18 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have banned conversion therapy for people younger than 18, and no states have banned conversion therapy for adults. The AMA agrees with medical experts that the lack of regulation on conversion therapy opens the door to fraud, harm and trauma for many adults and children in the U.S.

Glad to see this important voice join the fight to end a heartbreakingly harmful practice:

The American Medical Association has called for a nationwide ban on so-called “conversion therapy.” https://t.co/RQmnlarwxk

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 22, 2019