I am writing in favor of banning conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is based on the false premise that sexual preference and gender identity are malleable characteristics.  Caution is advised when defining conversion therapy as a “parental rights” issue, especially when parental rights are coming from a desire for absolute authority coupled with wishful thinking and no forethought or understanding of the likely long-term damage that can be caused.  Banning conversion therapy does not preclude a patient’s prerogative to seek therapy for their own discomfort and dysphoria resulting from their sexual preference and/or gender identity.  The APA and Board of Medicine’s time and talent could be more effectively used in helping the community at large (including parents, educators and religious leaders) explore and come to terms with their own discomfort and dysphoria around others’ sexuality and gender issues.