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Illinois Governor Signs Ban On Conversion Therapy For Minors Into Law

"It's actually abusive, and the truth of the matter is not everyone survives it."

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.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 19: Illinois governor Bruce Rauner waits for the arrival of President Barack Obama at the Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy on February 19, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama used the event to designate Chicago's historic Pullman district a national monument. Dating back to the 1880s, the Pullman district, on the city's Far South Side, is one of the country's first company towns. The "town" was founded by George Pullman to house workers at his now-defunct Pullman Palace Car Co., which made luxurious rail cars. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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."

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