Senators Hoylman & Gianaris & Assembly Member Glick Hail Court Ruling Allowing California Ban on ‘Gay Cure’ for Minors

Urge Swift Passage of New York Bill, S.4917/A.6983

New York, NY (August 29, 2013) – The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling today upholding California’s law prohibiting licensed therapists from attempting to change the sexual orientation or gender expression of patients under 18 years old. New York State Senator Brad Hoylman (D, WFP – Manhattan), State Senator Michael Gianaris (D – Queens) and State Assembly Member Deborah Glick (D – Manhattan), who are carrying similar legislation (S.4917/A.6983) in New York, released the following joint statement:

“Today’s federal court decision is an enormous boost to our efforts to outlaw the dangerous practice of sexual orientation conversion therapy on young people, which has been discredited by the leading medical and mental health professional organizations. The court’s ruling on conversion therapy, coupled with Governor Chris Christie signing a law last week banning the practice in New Jersey, will help clear the way for similar legislation in New York.

At a time when there is increased pressure being placed on the LGBT community, with hate crimes and incendiary language being directed at gay people, this decision is a bright spot. We thank the State of California, Equality California and the multitude of health and human rights organizations for their pioneering advocacy. It’s now our responsibility to build on their progress and protect LGBT youth in New York by instituting a ban on conversion therapy for minors.”