Washington Prohibiting Aversion Therapy on Minors (SB 5870)

SB 5870 would prohibit licensed health care providers from performing aversion therapy and sexual orientation change efforts on patients under the age of 18.

According to the bill, “prohibited aversion therapy” means a practice, treatment, or therapy involving sexual orientation change efforts, or electrical shock or extreme temperatures intending to cause pain, discomfort, or unpleasant sensations to the client or patient, except electroconclusive therapies provided in occurrence with guidelines set forward by the American psychiatric association and national institute of mental health.

Sexual orientation change efforts include efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or to reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings towards individuals of the same sex.

STATUS

Passed the Senate and the House. Referred to Senate Rule 3.

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