This ban is an attempt to force morality on professionals, children and parents alike and violates the first amendment, at the least. Just like this great nation and state offer to children various opportunities to be developed socially and scientifically through the education system, an array of psychiatric options for development should also be available and this does the opposite. Please strongly consider the below:

• Parents are closest to their child’s challenges; they are in the best position to make healthcare decisions involving the well-being of their child.
   
• Under Virginia law, parents have the fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing, education and care of their children. 
   
• Some young people may have attractions they desire to change or moderate. Others may simply desire guidance from a counselor to live a chaste life. In either instance, there should be options for families to make informed decisions. 
   
• The proposed ban would deny families the freedom to seek counseling aligned with their faith.
   
• Licensed professionals with years of education and experience should not be removed from the process of helping children work through these sensitive and deeply personal issues.