The Aloha State, Hawaii, may soon ban gay conversion therapy.
Hawaii’s governor, Democrat David Ige, is expected to sign new legislation that bans gay conversion therapy for minors. Hawaii would join ten other states and Washington D.C., with the before-mentioned law.
Hawaii’s passage follows Maryland, which passed legislation on April 5, 2018. Its governor, Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, reportedly backs the bill. New Hampshire and California also have bans moving forward.
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The chair of Hawaii’s LGBT Democratic caucus applauded the bill.
“This has been a priority for the caucus for years,” Michael Golojuch told Hawaii News Now. “It ensures that LGBTQ youth will not be tortured by mental-health professionals.”
The celebrated list of states outlawing the medically condemned practice includes California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state, as well as the District of Columbia.
At least 36 U.S. cities also forbid the practice. Among them are Cincinnati, New York City., Seattle and Tampa.
