Rauner signs bill banning gay conversion therapy for young people | Chicago Sun-Times

Illinois becomes the fourth state (and the District of Columbia) to ban the abusive practice of “conversion therapy” for minors.  Governor Bruce Rauner (R) signed a bill into law making him the second Republican governor to ban the practice.

Illinois is the first to include language linking conversion therapy to consumer fraud, according to its sponsor, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D).

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on Thursday signed legislation banning therapists from trying to change a young person’s sexuality.

Under the new law, those under 18 can get counseling to discuss concerns or thoughts about their sexuality, but professionals licenses by the state may not try to change the minor’s orientation.

“These so-called ‘therapies’ treat homosexuality as a disease,” Evanston Democratic Sen. Daniel Biss said in a statement after Rauner signed the bill Biss sponsored with state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat. “They’re out of date and can be deeply destructive to youth. Outlawing these practices is a small step in our pursuit for LGBT rights, but it’s an extremely important step in protecting young people in Illinois.”
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The measure also adds the therapy to the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, giving people more ability to take legal action. Cassidy has contended that provision makes Illinois’ ban stronger than other states.

Rauner signs bill banning gay conversion therapy for young people | Chicago Sun-Times