Dozens of people packed into the House Human Services Policy Committee where the majority of those testifying spoke in favor of banning the controversial practice of conversion therapy, which attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill's author, Representative Athena Hollins (DFL- St. Paul) says it is long past time Minnesota put a ban in place.
“Conversion therapy includes a range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or in efforts to change a person's gender identity or expression,” explained Hollins.
Some people did testify against the bill, including Nathan Oyloe who is the founder and director of Agape First Ministries. Oyloe says he went through such conversion therapy when he was an adolescent.
“I was not forced, I was not coerced, I was not abused,” Oyloe explains. “I was honored and loved and that I was given the power of choice and the dignity to think for myself.”
The Committee heard testimony for over 90 minutes Wednesday before approving the measure. The bill seeks to prevent licensed mental health care professionals in the state from engaging in conversion therapy with clients who are younger than 18 or are adults considered vulnerable under Minnesota law.
The bill now heads to the state House Health and Finance Committee, where it is expected to pass.
“This bill will help ensure that LGBTQ+ minors are protected from harmful practices that diminish their self-worth, and that’s all I want for LGBTQ folks in the state of Minnesota,” Hollins said.
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