Bill > A3371

This bill prohibits licensed professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, from engaging in "sexual orientation change efforts" with individuals under 18 years of age, meaning any practice that seeks to change a person's sexual orientation, including efforts to alter behaviors, gender identity, or gender expression, or to reduce same-gender attractions or feelings. However, this prohibition does not apply to counseling for individuals seeking to transition genders or to counseling that offers acceptance, support, and understanding, facilitates coping, social support, or identity exploration, or uses interventions to address unsafe practices, as long as these do not aim to change sexual orientation. The bill's findings highlight that major mental health organizations recognize being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disorder and that attempts to change sexual orientation can cause significant psychological harm, particularly to minors who face increased risks of depression, substance abuse, and suicide when rejected by their families.