Nevada Passes Ban On Conversion Therapy For Minors

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has signed into law a bill banning conversion therapy on minors.

Nevada becomes the latest state or district to ban conversion therapy, joining California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington D.C.  

Senate Bill 201, sponsored by Sen. David Parks (D) of Las Vegas, makes it illegal for a physician or other health professional to perform therapy intended to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of someone younger than 18. The bill was amended to exempt religious organizations and allow counseling by members of the clergy, and passed the Assembly with bipartisan support, 31-8.

“I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate and the Assembly for their bipartisan support of Senate Bill 201,” Senator Parks said. “Conversion therapy is a dangerous, discredited practice that has been shown to cause anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide among LGBTQ youth. By enacting this ban, Nevada will join eight other states and the District of Columbia in taking a strong stand to protect young people from psychological and physical abuse.”

The American Counseling Association appreciates the help of all our members in Nevada who responded to our alerts and contacted their representatives in Carson City.