As a mental health professional, it’s widely known that since 1998 the APA and other large prominent mental health organizations have opposed the use of psychiatric treatment in the form of conversion therapy as homosexuality is NOT a mental disorder. 

As a friend and advocate of those who experienced conversion therapy, I can say that it is an extremely harmful practice that has long lasting and damaging effects on an individual. The likelihood for negative reactions to the treatment is far too high and the potential for responses such as suicide occur far too often. Forcing youth to undergo this process is even more harmful as they often do not have the agency to refuse thus being forced in a situation that will impact the for the rest of their lives. 

It is for these reasons you MUST vote to ban this immoral and harmful practice.