US: Massachusetts becomes 16th state to ban ‘ex-gay’ therapy for youth

Massachusetts became the 16th state in the nation to ban “ex-gay” conversation therapy on Monday after Gov. Charlie Baker signed a measure into law prohibiting the widely discredited practice for youth.

Mathew Shurka, strategist for the National Center for Lesbian Rights’ Born Perfect national campaign to end conversion therapy, said in a statement the signing represents “a huge victory for LGBTQ youth and their parents in Massachusetts.” Shurka added: “These unethical practices destroy families and cause lasting harm to young people who urgently need acceptance and support.”

A survivor of conversion therapy, Shurka testified before the Massachusetts legislature about his firsthand experience with the practice and urged lawmakers to pass the bill. Read more via Washington Blade