Illinois Governor Signs Ban On Conversion Therapy For Minors Into Law
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a bill into law today that will ban using so-called conversion therapy to turn minors heterosexual.
The measure passed the Illinois Senate 34-19 in May after clearing the house.
Similar laws have been enacted in California, Oregon and New Jersey.
Counselors caught practicing the widely discredited therapy on someone under 18 will face fines, probation or even have their license revoked. Additionally, businesses that advertise conversion therapy in a manner that represents homosexuality as a mental illness could face legal action under state fraud laws.
Gov. Bruce Rauner
"The overwhelming consensus of professionals is this is not legitimate therapy," said Sen. Daniel Biss, (D-Evanston), who sponsored the legislation in the state senate. "It's actually abusive, and the truth of the matter is not everyone survives it."
Republican lawmakers (surprise) complained the law limited parents rights to seek help for their children's unwanted sexual attractions.
"We don't need to be in the middle of this," said Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine). "This feels a little preachy to me. This feels a little holier-than-thou, to be candid."
But Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), who sponsored the measure in the House, said it's just part of the work needed to be done for the LGBT community.
"I think a lot of people thought we were done when gay marriage was passed," said Cassidy. "There's still a lot of people who need to be protected, youth most notably."