This legislation aims to prohibit commercial sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy, based on findings that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or gender nonconforming is not a disorder. It emphasizes that there is no scientifically valid evidence supporting such practices, which are deemed ineffective and substantially dangerous, contributing to negative mental and physical health outcomes like depression, self-harm, and suicide. The bill defines "conversion therapy" as any compensated practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to alter behaviors or gender expressions. It specifically excludes practices that assist individuals undergoing gender transition or provide general acceptance, support, and identity exploration without seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Under this Act, it is unlawful for any person to provide conversion therapy, advertise claims of changing sexual orientation or gender identity, or knowingly assist in its provision for compensation. Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act, granting the Federal Trade Commission enforcement powers. The Attorney General may also bring civil actions in federal courts for violations. Furthermore, state attorneys general are empowered to initiate civil actions on behalf of their residents, with requirements for notifying the Federal Trade Commission, which may intervene. This framework aims to protect individuals from fraudulent and harmful conversion therapy practices.
This legislation aims to prohibit commercial sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy, based on findings that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or gender nonconforming is not a disorder. It emphasizes that there is no scientifically valid evidence supporting such practices, which are deemed ineffective and substantially dangerous, contributing to negative mental and physical health outcomes like depression, self-harm, and suicide. The bill defines "conversion therapy" as any compensated practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to alter behaviors or gender expressions. It specifically excludes practices that assist individuals undergoing gender transition or provide general acceptance, support, and identity exploration without seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Under this Act, it is unlawful for any person to provide conversion therapy, advertise claims of changing sexual orientation or gender identity, or knowingly assist in its provision for compensation. Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act, granting the Federal Trade Commission enforcement powers. The Attorney General may also bring civil actions in federal courts for violations. Furthermore, state attorneys general are empowered to initiate civil actions on behalf of their residents, with requirements for notifying the Federal Trade Commission, which may intervene. This framework aims to protect individuals from fraudulent and harmful conversion therapy practices.