The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a report Thursday calling for the end of LGBT conversion therapy, which was previously used as a form of treatment for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender youth.
Supporters of conversion therapy advocate this treatment because they believe that gay people still have the option to change their sexual preference. It was previously believed that homosexuality is a form of mental disorder that can eventually be cured, according to The Huffington Post. The SAMHSA says that the theory is not backed up by research and is no longer applicable to the 21st century, thus there is the need to end it.
"Directing the child or adolescent to conform to any particular gender expression or identity, or directing parents and guardians to place pressure on the child or adolescent to conform to specific gender expressions and/or identities, is inappropriate and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes," the report reads.
The practice of LGBT conversion therapy is no longer allowed in four states and in the District of Columbia, and 21 other states, together with the U.S. Congress, are considering bans. Those who authored the report aim for "federal regulatory action" so LGBT conversion therapy cannot be applied to minors, according to HealthDay.
Most of those who practice conversion therapy are not licensed or base their conversion using only religious training, according to Dr. Jack Drescher, an expert on LGBT mental health who is based in New York City.
People need "to be informed about the potentials for harm" that can happen during conversion therapy, Drescher added, Fox News reported.
