Praises White House For Stance Against Conversion Therapy

In responding to the petition urging a conversion therapy ban, White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett said in part:

“We share your concern about [conversion therapy’s] potentially devastating effects on the lives of transgender as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer youth…. As part of our dedication to protecting America’s youth, this Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors.”

Statement from TLDEF Executive Director Michael Silverman

“We applaud the Obama Administration for taking a stand against so-called conversion therapy, a practice that has been universally discredited by leading health authorities including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is widely known to be a dangerous practice that can greatly harm those who are subjected to it.

“Leelah Alcorn’s story galvanized the nation to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. We congratulate the advocates behind this petition for their success in gaining the support of the White House. We in turn thank President Obama and his team for listening to this urgent appeal and taking a stand to support the health and well-being of LGBT young people.

“With the recent passage of youth conversion therapy bans in California, New Jersey, and Washington DC, and efforts to enact similar legislation in 18 other states, we stand with the White House in pushing for laws like this throughout the nation.”