We have a critical opportunity to protect LGBTQ youth in Massachusetts.

H 4014, An Act Relative to Abusive Practices to Change Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Minors, would stop the discredited and dangerous practice of conversion therapy in Massachusetts.

We need your help to send the message that LGBTQ youth matter and are valued for who they are.

Step 1: Find your representative:

https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Step 2: Use or adapt this sample language to urge your representative to advocate for H 4014, the Conversion Therapy Youth Protection Bill:

Dear Representative ______________,

As your constituent, I write to ask you to help protect LGBTQ youth in Massachusetts by supporting An Act relative to abusive practices to change sexual orientation and gender identity in minors (previously H.1190, now H.4014), otherwise known as the Conversion Therapy Youth Protection Bill.

This bill prohibits state licensed mental health professionals from subjecting individuals below the age of 18 to conversion therapy practices to change sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Frequently used conversion therapy practices can have serious, long-lasting damage and minors subjected to such methods are at high risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Ultimately, this bill will ensure that state licensed mental health practitioners abide by professional standards of competence and do not engage in damaging practices that have no scientific basis.

Notably, this legislation does not do any of the following: apply to the practices of religious or faith-based counselors not acting under a state-issued license; prohibit the legitimate practices of evidence-based, professionally-accepted therapies; infringe on First Amendment liberties, as demonstrated by numerous state and federal rulings.

H.4014 has the support of a broad coalition of mental health, child welfare, legal and LGBTQ organizations in Massachusetts and similar protections have been enacted in 10 other states plus the District of Columbia.

Please protect LGBTQ minors in Massachusetts from the harmful, fraudulent practice of conversion therapy by advocating for H.4014 to be brought to the floor for a vote in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

[Insert name and home address]