It's official: Allentown bans gay and trans conversion therapy for minors stat : Lehigh Valley Live

With the mayor's stroke of a pen, Allentown has officially banned conversion therapy for minors in the city. Besides being "medically immoral," Shanker said conversion therapy increases depression, anxiety and suicide in patients. An appeal would be heard by a board comprised of two citizens, one medical professional, one member of city council and the director of the city health bureau or a representative. Appointees are chosen by the mayor and confirmed by city council. Officials said Allentown is now the second municipality in the state, and 60th in the country, to ban the practice.




The audience member, who didn't identify himself — most didn't — attempted to press Fishbein on his stance on conversion therapy, but Fishbein didn't answer the question during the forum. Both statements came during a lengthy back-and-forth with an audience member pressing Fishbein on his stance on conversion therapy. Fishbein was arguing that the bill was narrowly written when he made the statement on conversion therapy. The state Democratic party is attacking Rep. Craig Fishbein for his May vote against a law aimed at preventing conversion therapy, labeling him as one of the "hateful eight" Republicans who objected to the bill. They say conversion therapy results in higher rates of suicide, depression, and other mental health issues among gay and transgender teens who undergo such procedures, which have included electroshock therapy and shaming.

Raimondo signs bill banning conversion therapy

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collected by :Lucy William

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