In a vote of 14-9 with four members absent, Charleston City Council has adopted a bill making the city the first in the state to restrict the horrific practice of conversion therapy.
Bill 7919 will prohibit any licensed mental health practitioner, including religiously affiliated practitioners operating in clinical settings, from engaging in the practice, which seeks to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy is widely discredited, having been debunked by every major medical association in the country. Studies show that LGBTQ+ people who are exposed to conversion therapy are a shocking 92 percent more likely to attempt suicide.
ACLU-WV applauds the bill's passage and is hopeful other municipalities will follow suit.
See the roll call of votes below.