Minnesota DFL State Senator Scott Dibble is reacting to the failed vote on his "Conversion Therapy Ban" amendment.
Dibble offered the amendment to the omnibus health and human services budget bill that he said had strong bipartisan support. The amendment was designed to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth in Minnesota.
Dibble said there is broad consensus in the medical and professional community that the practice is unethical and ineffective.
"It's basically an extension of societal prejudice against LGBTQ people," Dibble said.
Dibble said during testimony, many of his colleagues were shocked to learn that conversion therapy is prevalent in Minnesota.
"They think this is something that might go on in the deep South or the Bible Belt, but the fact is that hundreds of young people, if not thousands have been forced to go through conversion therapy here in the state," he said
Dibble said the practice is hard on young people.
"A lot of pressure to become a whole new human being than you actually are, " he said. "And it leads to thoughts of depression and chemical abuse, as well as suicide."
He said it may be possible to get the ban passed this year, as there has been bipartisan support.
His Republican colleagues have told him they were moved by the testimony they heard, but felt forced to vote along party lines.
"They voted contrary to their own conscious and they feel terrible about it," he said. "They have indicated they would like to see something come out of conference committee, and have the matter back on the floor for a vote."
He said he wants to remain positive and open to all possibilities as they head into the final days of the session.
Those opposed have raised concerns about religious freedom.
Other opponents, said the ban went too far because it denies people the right to pursue therapy if they want to.
The House passed the ban in April.