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Albany Common Councilman calls for city ban on therapy aimed at "converting" gay people

Albany Common Councilman Judd Krasher announced today a plan to introduce legislation to ban "conversion therapy" -- in which a therapist attempts to change the sexual orientation of a gay person -- in the city, in part to prompt the state to act on the matter. Said Krasher in a press release:

"This ordinance is important on many levels. Most significantly, it will further protect Albany's LGBT youth. Additionally, the case is closed and the scientific community is in consensus; being an LGBT individual is not a disease or mental disorder and attempts to 'cure' people of their sexual orientation severely hurts a youngster's well-being. The City of Albany is a city of inclusion, a place that embraces diversity. Restorative therapy does not belong in Albany or civilized society. With that said, I hope the introduction and eventual passage of the ordinance sends a strong message to state government to act swiftly and ban this barbarism statewide."

There is currently a bill in the New York State legislature that would prohibit mental health professionals from "engaging in sexual orientation change efforts" with patients under the age of 18. Doing so would be considered professional misconduct and could result in the therapist's license being revoked or suspended.

Two states currently have such bans in the place -- California (passed in 2012) and New Jersey (in 2013).

The bans in both states have faced legal challenges from orgs arguing the laws violate the First Amendment. A federal court upheld California's law last year, as did a state judge in New Jersey. But that federal court decision has been stayed as opponents try to get the Supreme Court of the United States to take up the case. A recent NYT op/ed looked at some of the legal issues involved, and argued the best way to stop the practice is to approach it as a deceptive business practice.

At least a few other states are considering/have considered bans during the past year, including Washington State and Ohio.

Many mainstream professional medical associations have publicly opposed conversion therapy -- including the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Medical Association -- criticizing it for characterizing homosexuality as a disorder, and expressing concern for the potential harm from such therapy.

AOA asked Krasher today if he knew of any examples of the therapy -- also called "restorative" or "reparative" therapy -- being used in this area. "That is one of the sad and unfortunate elements of this practice," he said via email. "I had several folks who know this is going on locally approach me, but they are absolutely petrified to 'come out.' This is a fear I completely understand. "

Krasher said he plans to introduce the ordinance at the next Common Council meeting on March 3.