I wrote previously about how "conversion therapy" is in violation of several local, state, federal and international laws and treaties, and how it is inhumane. I'm writing today to reaffirm that stance in light of this new comment period.

Please continue to issue guidance which bans the use of so-called "conversion therapy," which is really just legalized torture with a sanitized name. There are a number of reasons to keep this guidance, including:

? “Conversion therapy,” is a dangerous and discredited practice aimed at changing the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ youth, not actually helping them in any way.

? These practices are based on the false claim that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) is a mental illness that can and should be cured.

? These harmful practices use rejection, shame, and psychological abuse to force young people to try and change who they are, which can lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts.

In short, these practices are barbaric, do nothing to help the youth they are used on, and perpetuate the lie that LGBTQ identity and expression are somehow wrong, temporary, and/or curable. No one whould be "cured" of who they are or who they love.

Please keep this guidance, which protects our youth.