Statement by Senator Hoylman on the Failure of the Senate to Vote on his Legislation to Ban Conversion Therapy

Albany, NY—State Senator Brad Hoylman released the following statement on the failure of the Senate leadership to bring S.4917-B to ban sexual orientation change efforts on minors in New York State to the floor for a vote:

“It's bitterly disappointing that the State Senate bowed to partisan politics and failed to protect our kids in New York from so-called “conversion therapy," which considers homosexuality a sickness that needs to be cured.

This bill had the votes to pass the Senate, virtually unanimous support from mental health professionals, and was modeled after legislation passed with bi-partisan support in California and New Jersey, where it was signed by Republican Governor Chris Christie.

The bottom line is until we change the leadership of the State Senate, New Yorkers can continue to expect forward-thinking bills to stall. Add conversion therapy to the pile of failed progressive initiatives in the Senate, which includes a decent minimum wage, codifying a woman's right to choose, the DREAM Act, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, and others.

I want to thank Governor Cuomo, my co-sponsors Assembly Member Deborah Glick and Senator Mike Gianaris, my supportive Senate colleagues from both parties, the Empire State Pride Agenda, and the scores of individuals who shared their deeply personal stories about their experiences with sexual orientation change efforts. I will continue to work with all of them to outlaw this practice.”

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