I oppose any proposal that would infringe on a parent's fundamental right to care for their children and make decisions about their upbringing for the following reasons:

• Parents are closest 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.