Do not seek to impose by regulatory fiat what the Virginia Legislative Assembly has refused to implement by statute.  Note the following:

•  Parents are closes to their child's challenges; they are in the best position to make healthcare decisions involving the wellbeing 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.