Congresswoman Suzan DelBene Supports First Federal Ban on Conversion Therapy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 19, 2015 – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today helped introduce the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, the first federal bill aimed at preventing so-called "conversion therapy."

"Americans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender don't need a ‘cure,' they need equality under the law," DelBene said. "This legislation is an important step toward protecting the LGBT community and their families from the fraudulent promises of conversion."

There is overwhelming consensus among medical, education, social work and mental health professionals that conversion therapy doesn't work and instead increases the likelihood of depression, self-harm and suicide — particularly in minors.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act would classify for-profit conversion therapy as fraudulent under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The bill also prohibits advertisements claiming a conversion practitioner can change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

DelBene joined Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33) in introducing the legislation on Tuesday.