Hawaii passes ban on gay conversion therapy for minors

Hawaiian state lawmakers have passed a bill banning gay conversion therapy for minors.

“This has been a priority of the caucus for years,” said state Rep. Michael Golojuch (D), the chairman of the LGBT Caucus of Hawaii’s Democratic Party, according to Hawaii News Now.

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“[This ban] ensures that LGQTB youth will not be tortured by mental health professionals,” he added.

Gov. David Ige (D) is expected to sign the bill into law following Friday’s vote.

Medical and mental health professionals have largely condemned conversion therapy, saying that the practice of trying to change someone’s sexual orientation is proven to be ineffective and can cause psychological harm.

A number of states have moved to ban conversion therapy in recent months, including Washington and California.

Hawaii News Now reported that Hawaii would become the 12th state to have such a ban in place.