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Denver Bans Conversion Therapy for Minors in a Unanimous Vote

Colorado still does not have a statewide ban on the discredited and dangerous practice.

Denver is the latest city to ban conversion therapy on minors.

The Denver City Council voted unanimously on Monday to outlaw the practice, which aims to change the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of LGBTQ people, and has been denounced by mainstream medical organizations like the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 9: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock speaks at the rededication of United Airlines new $40-million flight training center in east Denver on October 9, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Mayor Michael Hancock (pictured above), whose office put forward the legislation, called the successful passage of the bill "a very proud moment for my administration, for members of City Council, and for everyone in Denver who values inclusion and acceptance," in a statement.

"Tonight’s vote to ban conversion therapy our city coming together and saying with one voice that we will never allow our LGBTQ+ youth to be the targets of these dubious practices, and that we are here to support them," he continued.

"Who they are is something to be celebrated, not maligned, and Denver will always be there to lift up our youth and ensure that they have the opportunity to grow up safe, happy and healthy."

Denver is the first jurisdiction in Colorado to pass such legislation. There is currently no statewide ban.

Democrats in the House have attempted to pass a ban across Colorado, but were blocked by Republicans in the Senate. Democrats are now in control of both branches, and a law against conversion therapy is expected to move through the Senate successfully, KDVR reports. It would then land on the desk of the state's newly-elected, openly gay governor, Jared Polis.

A total of 14 states ban conversion therapy: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Washington, D.C. has also banned the practice.

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