Lawmakers in Maine have passed legislation to ban "conversion therapy" – the controversial practice used to convert gay people to heterosexuality through psychological training.
The bill, sponsored by openly gay state Rep. Ryan Fecteau, prohibits licensed medical and mental health practitioners from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity.
It now heads for the signature of Gov. Paul LePage, who has not yet expressed a public opinion on it. The Portland Press Herald reports the margin of votes is not large enough to override a potential veto from LePage, a Republican.
The passage was hailed by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization.
"This critically important legislation will help ensure children in Maine are not subjected to a practice that amounts to nothing less than child abuse," said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse.
"It’s now imperative that fair-minded people across the state contact Governor LePage’s office and urge him to sign this bill protecting LGBTQ youth or allow it to become law."
If LePage inks the bill, Maine will join 14 other states plus the District of Columbia with laws or regulations banning the practice.
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