Illinois Bans Gay Conversion Therapy Programs For Kids

By Kate Shepherd in News on Aug 21, 2015 9:27PM

Illinois has become one of the first states to ban gay conversion therapy for minors.

Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the bill, which bars mental health providers from trying to change a patient's sexual orientation, into law Thursday. It will take effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

The law classifies conversion therapy as a consumer fraud and deceptive business practice and bans therapists from using ads that represent homosexuality as a mental illness.

Conversion therapy is a controversial practice that attempts to convert people from gay to straight through counseling or even aversive conditioning, according to the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

It has been denounced by groups including the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a host of other medical and mental health organizations, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

"These so-called 'therapies' treat homosexuality as a disease," bill co-sponsor Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) said in a statement. "They're out of date and can be deeply destructive to youth. Outlawing these practices is a small step in our pursuit for LGBT rights, but it's an extremely important step in protecting young people in Illinois."

Supporters of the bill were not sure if Rauner, who has stayed out of social issues, would sign it, according to the Associated Press. But he was moved after meeting with a conversion therapy survivor, bill co-sponsor Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) said.

Rauner believes it protects the interests of children and does not interfere with religious freedom, according to a spokesperson.