Bill

Bill > SB65


DE SB65

DE SB65
An Act To Amend Titles 24 And 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Conversion Therapy.


summary

Introduced
04/26/2017
In Committee
05/18/2017
Crossed Over
05/17/2017
Passed
06/07/2018
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
07/23/2018

Introduced Session

149th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Conversion therapy is a practice or treatment that seeks to change an individuals sexual orientation or gender identity, including any effort to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender. Conversion therapy has been rejected by all mainstream medical and mental health organizations, and there is no credible evidence that it is effective. Moreover, this practice poses enormous health risks to LGBTQ youth, including an increased sense of shame, guilt, hopelessness, stress, and anger, thus increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. The harm done by conversion therapy can last well into adulthood.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits the practice of conversion therapy, which seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, on children in Delaware. The bill defines conversion therapy and specifies that it does not include certain types of counseling, such as that which provides support and understanding without seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill makes it unprofessional conduct or grounds for discipline for various licensed medical and mental health professionals to engage in conversion therapy with a child or refer a child to a provider in another jurisdiction to receive conversion therapy. It also prevents the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families from engaging in or recommending conversion therapy for children. The bill is based on evidence that conversion therapy is ineffective and poses serious risks of harm to LGBTQ youth.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (15)

Last Action

Signed by Governor (on 07/23/2018)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...