Indiana Stonewall Democrats issued a press release lauding state Sen. JD Ford (District 39) and state Rep. Sue Errington (District 26) for introducing a new bill to effectively end so-called "conversion therapy" practices across the state of Indiana.
"Conversion therapy" is a debunked practice used by anti-LGBTQ activists to try and change the sexual orientation and gender identity of many LGBTQ Americans across the United States, including many LGBTQ Hoosiers. The debunked practice often targets minors and creates long-term health complications for survivors.
Hoosier Democrats introduced similar legislation during the 2019 legislative session. The bill failed to generate a committee hearing nor summer study committee. Indiana could be the second state to ban "conversion therapy" practices in the Midwest.
"Putting a stop to this harmful and detrimental practice can save the lives of countless LGBTQ Hoosiers. Our state has the chance to end this harmful and detrimental practice this year. A person's sexual orientation or gender identity is not a disease that needs cured. In fact, every major medical and mental health organization in our country has condemned the use of 'conversion therapy,'" Ford said in the Stonewall Democrats' release.
It's estimated that more than 700,000 LGBTQ Americans have received some form of "conversion therapy" practice, with many receiving care from a licensed healthcare professional before reaching the age of 18. Further, LGBTQ Americans who experienced "therapy" practices are about eight times more likely to report having attempted suicide or nearly six times more likely report high levels of depression.
