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Ellison sponsors federal ban on ex-gay therapy

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Ellison sponsors federal ban on ex-gay therapy

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Rep. Keith Ellison is among 35 original sponsors of a bill to ban conversion therapy and label it as “deceptive.” Unlike state bans that have been passed in Oregon, New Jersey, and California which apply only to minors, the federal bill would ban the practice for every age group. The bill applies to anyone who attempts conversion therapy to change sexual orientation or gender identity for profit.

The bill states:

It shall be unlawful for any person to—
(1) provide conversion therapy to any individual if such person receives monetary compensation in exchange for such services; or
(2) advertise for the provision of conversion therapy where such advertising claims—
(A) to change another individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity;
(B) to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender; or
(C) that such efforts are harmless or without risk to individuals receiving such therapy.
(b) Violation Of Rule.—A violation of subsection (a) shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).

The bill, which was introduced on May 19, awaits a hearing in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

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Andy Birkey has written for a number of Minnesota and national publications. He founded Eleventh Avenue South which ran from 2002-2011, wrote for the Minnesota Independent from 2006-2011, the American Independent from 2010-2013. His writing has appeared in The Advocate, The Star Tribune, The Huffington Post, Salon, Cagle News Service, Twin Cities Daily Planet, TheUptake, Vita.mn and much more. His writing on LGBT issues, the religious right and social justice has won awards including Best Beat Reporting by the Online News Association, Best Series by the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and an honorable mention by the Sex-Positive Journalism awards.