California becomes first state to ban conversion therapy for minors

Governor Jerry Brown signs Senate Bill 1172, making California the first state to ban sexual orientation change efforts for minors. The law prohibits state-licensed therapists from attempting to change a young persons sexual orientation or gender expression. Brown declares the law will relegate conversion therapy to the dustbin of quackery. The legislation responds to evidence that conversion therapy drives minors to depression, suicide, and drug and alcohol abuse. Every major medical and mental health organization has warned that attempts to change sexual orientation are ineffective and harmful.