Hawaii has officially become the 12th state in the US to ban ‘gay cure’ therapy to minors.
Signed by the Governor David Ige yesterday (25 May), the law is the latest in a wave of protecting LGBTI teens from abuse and torture.
The Hawaii State Senate passed on 10 April banning any attempt to alter the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTI youth.
Hawaii officially passes ‘gay cure’ therapy ban
Chair of the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party Michael Golojuch said: ‘This has been a priority of the caucus for years,’ according to Hawaii News Now.
‘[It] ensures that LGBTQ youth will not be tortured by mental health professionals,’ he said.
The full list of US states include: New Jersey, California, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New Mexico, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Nevada, Washington and Maryland.
The law goes into effect in Hawaii on 1 July.
‘Overwhelming scientific research has shown that “conversion therapy” is not effective and frequently has lasting, harmful psychological impacts on minors,’ Ige said.
‘This practice is neither medically or ethically appropriate.’
The Trevor Project, a national charity providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTI youth, applauded Hawaii.
‘We’re seeing significant momentum to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy, and The Trevor Project calls on even more states to join Hawaii in banning this barbaric practice,’ said Amit Paley, CEO and executive director of The Trevor Project.
Gay cure therapy: A reality
Conversion therapy is a reality for some LGBTI people, especially youth.
Every mainstream health and psychological group in the world condemns the harmful practice.
‘By passing this legislation, Hawaiian legislators are clearly demonstrating a passion for action to care for LGBTQ youth,’ said Sam Briton, a non-binary survivor of conversion therapy who works as head of advocacy and government affairs for The Trevor Project.
‘Conversion therapy is a dangerous and discredited practice that I and nearly 700,000 LGBTQ people have survived. We are so grateful to Hawaii for protecting our youth from its trauma,’ they continued.
In a viral opinion piece by Gay Star News, we explore the harsh reality for people who are often forced into these situations.
Doctors tortured and starved Raymond Buys and even forced him to eat his own feces. Severely malnourished, dehydrated, with wounds all over his body, he lay in intensive care for four weeks until he died.
Reports out of Ecuador also reveal illegal gay cure therapies force feed, beat, electroshock and rape LGBTI patients.
