Signed by Governor Charlie Baker

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits sexual orientation conversion therapy for minors.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a healthcare provider from advertising sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts with a patient less than 18 years of age (Sec. 1).

• Requires any health care provider who violates this section to be subject to discipline by the appropriate licensing board, which can include suspension or revocation of license (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts from including practices that (Sec. 1):

• Provide acceptance, support, and understanding of any individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity exploration and development;

• Facilitate an individual’s coping, social support, and identity exploration and development; or

• Are sexual orientation-neutral or gender identity-neutral including interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices.

• Prohibits sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts from including practices that do not attempt or purport to impose change of an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity (Sec. 1).

• Defines “sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts” as any practice by a healthcare provider that attempts or purports to impose change of an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including but not limited to efforts  to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex (Sec. 1).

• Defines “Gender identity” as an individual’s gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from what is traditionally associated with the individual’s physiology or assigned sex at birth (Sec. 1).

• Defines “sexual orientation” as having an orientation for or being identified as having an orientation for heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality (Sec. 1).

• Defines “health care provider” as any health care professional licensed under this chapter, including but not limited to, any physician, psychologist, social worker, nurse, or allied mental health and human services professional, including marriage and family therapist, rehabilitation counselor, mental health counselor, or educational psychologist (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text