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Republican Lawmaker Introduces Ban On Conversion Therapy

"You can't convert people's sexuality. I think most people get that," said Rep. Eric Schleien of New Hampshire.

Another lawmaker has introduced a bill banning the discredited practice of conversion therapy on minors, but this time it's a Republican: New Hampshire State Rep. Eric Schleien says its not possible to change someone's sexual orientation, and efforts to do so can be dangerous.

"I think our culture grows stronger when we're able to accept different people's lifestyles and treat people with honor and respect. I don't think that's that radical," Schleien said. "You can't convert people's sexuality. I think most people get that."

The Legislature reconvenes in January and if the measure passes, it would make New Hampshire the fifth state to ban reparative therapy, which has been discredited by the AMA, The American Psychological Association and other major health organizations.

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Other Republicans say the bill interferes with parents' rights and religious liberties.

"There's no way anyone's going to convince me that it's proper or good to ban therapy for children, or a person of any age, that thinks that they are or want to be a gender other than what they biologically are," said Rep. David Bates.

Oddly, Bates said nothing about whether such therapies needed to work.

"Just because you're under 18 doesn't mean that someone owns you to the point they can harm you," said Schleien.

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