Six cities in Ohio, including Columbus, have banned so-called conversion therapy for minors. Former State Senator and former Columbus City Council member Charletta Tavares introduced a bill in 2015 to ban the practice, which claims to alter a person's sexual orientation. But the measure died without legislative action. Now, a bi-partisan bill would make conversion therapy illegal for people under the age of 18. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports.
Several Ohio cities have banned the controversial practice of conversion therapy. Democratic Representative Mary Lightbody says there’s a good reason to keep kids away from it.
“It’s amazing that this antiquated, outdated and scientifically flawed technique is even still in use today because it does not work and it does nothing but harm our young people who know themselves to be gay or lesbian.”
More than 20 Democrats and two Republican lawmakers have signed onto the bill. And Lightbody says she thinks more are likely to come on board as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
