Vermont bans use of conversion therapy

by Austin Stallings
Journalism Intern

Vermont is banning the use of conversion therapy, a practice aimed at changing the sexual orientation of gay, lesbian, or transgender people.

Gov. Peter Shumlin signed the bill into law Wednesday, saying Vermont will continue to stand up to hatred and bigotry. He says, “It’s absurd to think that being gay or transgender is something to be cured of.”

Conversion therapy is said not only to be dangerous, but to also have scarring mental effects on the adolescent youths that undergo the therapy.

Vermont joins California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. in enacting such a law.

New Hampshire had proposed a similar ban that looked promising, however the proposal died on the floor after some last- minute negotiation.

Vermont's law is effective starting July 1 of this year.

The Gayly- 5/26/16 @ 3:50 p.m. CDT