Hoylman-Sponsored Legislation Passes New York Assembly with Bipartisan Support; Senator Hoylman Demands Full Senate Vote

Today, State Senator Brad Hoylman released the following statement on the Assembly passage of A.6983-B to ban sexual orientation change efforts on minors in New York State:

Senator Hoylman said: "Today's passage of A.6983-B in the New York State Assembly is a major step towards banning so-called conversion ’therapy‘ on LGBT youth by licensed mental health professionals. Being an LGBT young person isn't an illness that needs to be cured. Thanks to the leadership of Assembly Member Glick and Speaker Silver, we're one step closer to joining New Jersey and California in protecting our kids from being subject to this dangerous practice and their parents from being victims of a proven scam.

Banning conversion therapy is a nonpartisan issue that should receive full consideration by my colleagues in the Senate."

Sexual orientation change efforts, or so-called "conversion therapy" or "reparative therapy," remain legal in New York State despite being discredited by leading associations of health and mental health practitioners. A report released by Senator Hoylman following a May 15 legislative forum reveals the urgent need to pass this legislation due to the harmful long-term effects of this practice on the well-being and mental health of LGBT youth.

S.4917-B/A.6983-B, sponsored by Senator Hoylman and Assembly Member Glick, amends the education law by prohibiting sexual orientation change efforts by licensed mental health providers for children under the age of 18. Professionals who violate the law face censure, suspension or revocation of their license, and/or a civil penalty of up to $10,000.