Mass. Bill Would Ban Sexual Orientation Therapy

Gay rights activists are planning to gather at the Statehouse in support of a bill that would ban therapy on minors that seeks to change their sexual orientation.

The bill would prohibit any licensed professional in Massachusetts from engaging in any practice that seeks impose a change in the "sexual orientation or gender identity" of anyone under 18.

Any licensed professional violating the ban would be subject to discipline that could include the suspension or revocation of their license to practice.

The ban, sponsored by Medford Democratic state Rep. Carl Sciortino, would apply to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, psychiatric nurses and other mental health and human services professionals

A public hearing on the bill is set for Tuesday afternoon at the Statehouse before the Legislature's Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.