In yet another bold move in support of LGBT rights, the Obama administration announced late on Wednesday that it would support efforts to end so-called “conversion therapy” for gay and transgender youth. The decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of 17-year-old Leelah Alcorn, who referenced attempts by religious therapists to make her identify as a boy in her suicide note.
The White House released a lengthy statement on its website, penned by longtime Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, calling for a ban on therapy which claims to “repair” LGBT youth. The statement supports a petition that has received over 120,000 signatures in the last few months.
“The overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that conversion therapy, especially when it is practiced on young people, is neither medically nor ethically appropriate and can cause substantial harm,” writes Jarrett. “As part of our dedication to protecting America’s youth, this Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors.”
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Jarrett goes on to cite medical findings which have suggested that attempts to “change” individuals’ sexual preference can actually prove to have “dangerous effects.” She describes state-based efforts to curb the practice, even referencing a signed statement in opposition to conversion therapy from frequent Obama critic New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
The statement also provides resources for LGBT youth and their families, including links on bullying, homelessness and a guide for relatives to learn how to better accept and engage with LGBT children and teens.
“This administration believes that young people should be valued for who they are, no matter what they look like, where they’re from, the gender with which they identify, or who they love,” writes Jarrett.
Although Jarrett does not suggest any legislative moves or executive action to put the proposed ban into effect, the White House curiously used the hashtag #LeelahsLaw when rolling out the petition response on social media.








