The Commonwealth of Virginia has a vested interest in ensuring that medical professionals and psychologists base their treatment protocols on proven methods supported by data that show the effectiveness of such treatment.  Conversion therapy has been proven to be ineffective and, even worse, harmful.  It is based on shame and creates depression and negative self-worth that has led to suicide in many cases.  We know that the DSM was changed many years ago and reflects the fact that same-sex attraction is NOT an illness and does not need to be cured through conversion.  In fact, what the data show is that conversion therapy is both damaging and ineffective.  Adults have the right to seek whatever so-called "treatment" they want, but the Commonwealth must prevent sham practitioners from gaining access to vulnerable children and youth, to whom these conversion practices can do great harm.  Parents who truly care about their children will love them as they are and support them in reaching their potential.  They will not seek to change them through the use of harmful and debunked practices.  I support a ban on conversion therapy in Virginia.