Gay Conversion Therapy Banned In Maryland

‘Gay Conversion Therapy’ suffered another blow to its ideology as the Maryland House of Delegates passed the Youth Mental Health Protection Act by a vote of 95-27.

Health Occupations – Conversion Therapy for Minors – Prohibition
(Youth Mental Health Protection Act)

Prohibiting certain mental health or child care practitioners from engaging in conversion therapy with individuals who are minors; providing that a certain mental health or child care practitioner who engages in conversion therapy with a minor shall be considered to have engaged in unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary action; defining “conversion therapy” as a practice or treatment by a mental health or child care practitioner that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity; etc.

Prior to the historic vote by Maryland’s legislature, Republican Delegate Meagan Simonaire, made a moving statement on the floor to her colleagues about how she felt as a teenager to be forced to keep it a secret from her parents about being bisexual. With a strong voice, Simonaire said when she finally told her parents, they immediately went after conversion therapy providers as a cure for her.

Thankfully Rep. Simonaire never endured the outrageous and torturous ‘gay conversion therapy’ sessions. Simonaire said “The idea of my parents believing they could “fix me” was enough to cause significant pain, self-loathing and deep depression.” said Simonaire.

Now here is the ironic deal in this story, Rep. Simonaire’s father, fellow State Sen. Bryan Simonaire who is also a Republican, listened to his daughter and still voted against the bill.

Governor Hogan signed the legislation while gathered around by state Representatives and victims of gay conversion therapy. Maryland joins the club of California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington state. Rhode Island is also moving forward with banning the outrageous practice.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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