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 The Obama administration backed a petition in April to ban the
practice nationwide, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA) report gives further scientific
backing to such calls.
"We believe that conversion therapy for young people is not in their
best interest, and the facts and the evidence supports that," White
House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett said.
"We would support, and have supported, making it illegal for young
people," she told reporters, noting that adults "make their own
decisions" when it comes to their health.
Four U.S. states and Washington banned the practice among minors and
vulnerable adults as of August 2015, the report said, and 21 more
states and Congress have considered or are considering bans.
Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT advocacy group, welcomed the report,
saying it should prompt a ban in all 50 states.
The therapy, that aims to change sexual orientation, gender identity
or gender expression, is often conducted by practitioners who are
unlicensed and have religious, not medical, training, experts say.
The American Psychological Association's (APA) government relations
director, Judith Glassgold, said such therapy can trigger
depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, hurt self-esteem and lead to
substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors.
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"Conversion therapies or other efforts to change sexual orientation,
gender identity or gender expression are not effective, reinforce
harmful gender stereotypes and are not appropriate mental health
treatments,” said SAMHSA Special Expert on LGBT Affairs, Elliot
Kennedy.
(Additional reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington; Editing by
Louise Ireland)
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