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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 Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... OREGON LEGISLATURE Oregon Senate OKs bill banning 'conversion therapy' Brown is expected to sign it into law Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted May. 7, 2015 at 5:09 PM By The Associated Press Posted May. 7, 2015 at 5:09 PM » Social News SALEM — A bill to ban "conversion therapy" for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth is headed to Gov. Kate Brown's desk after receiving final approval from the Senate on Thursday. House Bill 2307 would ban mental health care providers from using so-called conversion therapy — a practice that tries to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity — on people younger than 18. It passed the Senate 21-8, with Sen. Jackie Winters, R-Salem, excused. Brown, who identifies as bisexual and is credited as the nation's first sitting LGBT governor, is expected to sign the bill. Only one organization in Oregon offers conversion programs, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights advocacy group. The American Psychological Association has rejected the practice as a legitimate form of treatment, warning it may cause anxiety, depression and self-destructive behavior. Supporters say the law would only apply to state-licensed mental health professionals, and wouldn't restrict religious freedom. "Conversion therapy at its core, I believe, is an act of violence," said Sen. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis. "Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is not a mental disorder, and it is not something that should be cured." California, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey have laws banning conversion therapy, and lawmakers in 17 states besides Oregon are considering similar legislation, according the the White House. Last month, President Barack Obama called for an end to conversion therapy nationwide. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging New Jersey's conversion therapy ban, letting stand a lower court's decision to uphold the law signed by Gov. Chris Christie in 2013. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted May. 7, 2015 at 5:09 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