Ban on Gay Conversion Therapy Clears N.Y. State Assembly

The New York State Assembly passed a ban Monday on the use of gay conversion therapy for minors.

Buzzfeed reports that Assembly members voted 86-28 in favor of a bill that would prohibit state-licensed health care professionals from trying to change the sexual orientation of clients under the age of 18.

The legislation, which would add language to an existing law on professional misconduct, awaits a vote by the State Senate, which may take it up this week, as the legislative session ends Thursday.

The vote was applauded by Sen. Brad Hoylman, a gay politician and a cosponsor of the bill.

"Being an LGBT young person isn't an illness that needs to be cured," he said. "Banning conversion therapy is a nonpartisan issue that should receive full consideration by my colleagues in the Senate."

California and New Jersey have similar laws.