April 2021 Update
ZVMS remains committed to banning conversion therapy, in the 2021 legislative session and beyond.
Mental Health Protections Act
[ORIGINAL POST from March 16]
ZVMS strongly supports the passing of the Mental Health Protections Act (MHPA). The MHPA is a forthcoming piece of legislation aimed at protecting Minnesota’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) youth.
Conversion Therapy
The MHPA would ban conversion therapy in Minnesota. Conversion “therapy” (CT) is a practice that claims to change a person’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Although CT is widely discredited in the medical community, it is still practiced in Minnesota, harming vulnerable children, adolescents, and young adults. CT often leads to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide.
Local Support
Last year, ZVMS supported the Olmsted County resolution banning conversion therapy. The City of Rochester, Minnesota, has also banned the practice.
Petition
Interested individuals can sign OutFront Minnesota’s petition in support of the Mental Health Protections Act.