Public Forum on Legislation Barring Sexual Orientation Change “Therapy” for Minors
April 24, 2014
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER DEBORAH GLICK, NEW YORK STATE SENATORS BRAD HOYLMAN & MICHAEL GIANARIS
SUBJECT: Legislation (S.4917-B/A.6983-B) which would prohibit licensed mental health professionals from engaging minors in sexual orientation change efforts.
PURPOSE: To hear from stakeholders, including mental health care professionals, legal experts, LGBT individuals, and advocates about the need for this legislation and its implementation elsewhere, including New Jersey and California.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
10:00 A.M.
Senate Hearing Room
250 Broadway
New York, NY
Sexual orientation change efforts, or so-called “conversion therapy” and “reparative therapy,” have long been discredited by leading associations of health and mental health practitioners, and can pose health risks to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, ranging from depression, substance abuse and suicide. The risks are particularly high for minors, who because of parental control may be forced to undergo this therapy. California and New Jersey have enacted laws barring licensed mental health professionals from engaging in this practice on minors. S.4917-B/A.6983-B would create the same prohibition in New York.
Anyone wishing to testify or attend the forum must complete and return the .pdf form below no later than Thursday, May 8, 2014. Oral testimony is by invitation only. Individuals who would like an invitation to testify should indicate so on the reply form below.
In accordance with State and Federal law, the New York State Legislature seeks to make its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities, upon request.
Questions about this public forum may be directed to Burton Phillips, Counsel to State Senator Brad Hoylman, at (518) 455-2451 or phillips@nysenate.gov.
