I wholeheartedly support the proposed ban on “any practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to… reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of any gender.”  Scientific evidence has shown that these practices and so-called treatments are not only ineffective but result in serious harm to those who receive them.  Sexual orientation is not a choice, it is part of one's genetic heritage and ought not to be considered deviant or evil.

As a parent of several children, I support my right to make decisions for my children while they are minors.  However, parental rights, like any others, are not absolute and practices such as the so-called conversion therapy' are in fact tantamount to child abuse.

Please go forward with this ban in order to prevent further harm to our children as well as continued denigration of people with alternative sexual orientation and gender identities.

Thanks you.