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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW SOU a finalist in national Climate Leadership Competition ... Our View: Water curtailment efforts not just for show ... Officers identified in Dunsmuir shootout ... SOU a finalist in national Climate Leadership Competition ... Our View: Water curtailment efforts not just for show ... Officers identified in Dunsmuir shootout ... OREGON LEGISLATURE House OKs bill banning gay conversion therapy Laws banning practice are on books in New Jersey and California Comment By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted Mar. 17, 2015 at 4:50 PM By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted Mar. 17, 2015 at 4:50 PM » Social News SALEM — The Oregon House voted Tuesday to outlaw a therapy that purports to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of young people, with several lawmakers arguing the practice has been discredited and can cause irreparable mental and emotional damage. The bill would make it illegal for social workers or licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists to practice what's called conversion therapy on children younger than 18. The bill is backed by Basic Rights Oregon, a gay and transgender advocacy group. Proponents of the measure said the therapy can lead to anxiety, depression and destructive behaviors in children. Groups such as the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association have also come out against the therapy. "Conversion therapy itself can cause incredible emotional and mental trauma to people, particularly young people in the process of coming to terms with their sexual identities," said Rep. Knute Buehler, a Bend Republican who voted for the measure. It would not prohibit counseling for a minor considering a gender transition, and it wouldn't curtail rights to free speech or religious expression, said Rep. Rob Nosse, a Portland Democrat. Other lawmakers said they thought the bill should include an "opt-in" option for youths who want to pursue the treatment. "It's a normal, common practice that when people come in they can request from their therapist what sort of therapy they want to receive. I felt like there should be some sort of opt-in option for youth and empower them in that client-centered therapy," said Rep. Duane Stark, a Republican from Grants Pass who voted against the proposal. The measure passed 41-18 and goes to the Senate. Laws banning the therapy are on the books in New Jersey and California, and advocates say bills have been introduced in about two dozen more states. The District of Columbia recently approved a similar measure. Federal appeals courts have upheld the New Jersey and California laws. By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted Mar. 17, 2015 at 4:50 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501