Editorial: Make "Conversion Therapy" in Massachusetts Illegal!

In Massachusetts, it is still legal to practice anti-gay "conversion therapy". Although innumerable organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the American Academy of Pediatrics,* and the Child Welfare League of America have petitioned for the end of “conversion therapy” for transgender, gay, lesbian, bisexual and other youth, it remains legal in many states including Massachusetts.

Here is the account of an MIT graduate who was put into anti-gay conversion therapy [Content note: article uses incorrect pronouns for some transpeople named therein]. I had the honor of hearing Briton speak at a Boston Pride Interfaith Service a few years ago, and what he described was bone-chilling.

Newton Rep. Kay Khan has sponsored Bill H. 1190: An Act relative to abusive practices to change sexual orientation and gender identity in minors. I began Pride Month telling you, my readers, about the teens of Westwood High School's GSA: won't you help me finish it by joining me in contacting our State Rep, Paul McMurtry, about this issue? Even better, post this on your Facebook, Twitter, or tell your friends to contact their state representatives as well. The bill is presently scheduled to be voted on by the Massachusetts House tomorrow (June 27)

Thank you.

*Not to be confused with the right-wing anti-gay American College of Pediatricians

Please email me with any story ideas, events, etc. I want to know what my fellow Westwoodians are doing!

The views expressed here are the views of myself, your Patch Mayor, Heather T. Ford and not Westwood Patch.