President Obama Takes Stand Against So-Called ‘Conversion Therapy’

Washington, DC, April 9, 2015—Last night, the White House released a statement calling on Congress and local lawmakers to ban the so-called “conversion therapy,” a scientifically unsound practice that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

“The so-called ‘conversion therapy’ has devastating consequences on LGBTQ people leading in some cases to suicide. This unsound practice is not based on any actual science and is instead denounced by medical and mental health professionals across the country including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and many other bodies of licensed practitioners.

“We thank the Administration for taking a stand against the dangerous quackery that is ‘conversion therapy.’ In the week that his executive order on employment protections for LGBTQ workers has taken effect, President Obama has again shown his commitment to LGBTQ freedom, justice, and equality,” said Rea Carey, National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director.

The Administration also announced yesterday that it was opening up a gender-neutral restroom in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building available to White House staff and visitors. The National LGBTQ Task Force has long advocated for making all restrooms gender-neutral.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
213-842-7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org