GLSEN Statement on Delaware Passing Conversion Therapy Ban

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Joanna Cifredo Media Relations Manager Joanna.Cifredo@glsen.org 646-388-6575

GLSEN Statement on Delaware Passing Conversion Therapy Ban

“Governor Carney sent a very important message to young LGBTQ Delawareans that they are seen, valued, and worthy of protection.”

NEW YORK, NY (July 23, 2018) –Today, Delaware Governor John Carney signed SB 65 into law a bill protecting LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and widely discredited practice of so-called “conversion therapy.” The legislation was sponsored by State Senator Harris McDowell and State Representative Debra Heffernan. In response, Sarah Munshi, GLSEN State and District Policy Manager, released the following statement:

“Too often, when LGBTQ youth are in the process of accepting who they know themselves to be, they are subjected to the harmful and potentially life-threatening practice of so-called 'conversion therapy.' Today, Governor Carney sent a very important message to young LGBTQ Delawareans that they are seen, valued, and worthy of protection.

This victory is only possible thanks to the life-saving advocacy of LGBTQ groups and individuals working tirelessly to promote equality for all Americans. Our deepest gratitude goes out to every member of the General Assembly who voted to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous practice of conversion therapy. Special thanks to Senators McDowell & State Representative Heffernan who sponsored this bill, their legislative staff who ensured its passage, and to Gov. Carney for protecting youth from this shameful practice and signing the bill into law.

It has been a record year for advancing anti-conversion therapy legislation and we are excited to celebrate this victory alongside others in Washington, Hawaii, Maryland, and New Hampshire. GLSEN looks forward to continuing to work with advocates from across the country to promote similar legislation in all states.

For years, Delaware has been a leader towards LGBTQ equality among states. In taking this important step Delaware has reaffirmed their commitment to supporting LGBTQ young people. Delaware now becomes the fifteenth state, along with Washington, D.C., to ban the harmful and discredited practice of conversion therapy.”

About GLSEN

GLSEN works to create safe and inclusive schools for all. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools across the United States, and our network of 39 community-led chapters in 26 states brings GLSEN’s expertise to local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact have won support for inclusive schools at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research, and educator training programs, please visit www.glsen.org.