California Assembly Bill Says Gay Conversion Therapy Fraudulent

A new bill passed by the California state assembly classifies the selling or advertising of gay conversion therapy as a fraudulent business practice and thus illegal, Gay Times reported on Sunday.

The measure passed by a vote of 50 to 18 and now heads for the state Senate.

Democrat Evan Low submitted the bill, which will add "advertising, offering to engage in, or engaging in sexual orientation change efforts with an individual," to the existing civil code that already bans attempting conversion therapy on minors.

Professionals in medical and mental health, including the American Medical Association, say that conversion therapy has proven to be ineffective and actually causes psychological harm, according to The Hill.

A record number of jurisdictions this year are attempting to ban conversion therapy for minors, as almost 50 bills have been introduced in 24 states targeting the practice, USA Today reported.

Opponents to the legislation claim that it infringes on the religious freedom of others and that the court would overturn the law as a violation of the First Amendment.

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• Washington Legislature Bans Gay Conversion Therapy on Minors