President Obama calls for The End of Conversion Therapies for LGBT Youth

Big news!

You may remember the sad story of 17-year-old transgender teen, Leelah Alcorn, who killed herself because religious therapists had tried to convert her back to being a boy.

That story shook the nation about brought much needed attention to conversion therapy. It also was the inspiration for a White House petition that gathered over 100,000 signatures. This amazing act, prompt the White House to respond. White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett wrote her own response.

Here is a piece of her statement:

Thank you for taking the time to sign on to this petition in support of banning the practice known as conversion therapy.

Conversion therapy generally refers to any practices by mental health providers that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.[1] Often, this practice is used on minors, who lack the legal authority to make their own medical and mental health decisions. We share your concern about its potentially devastating effects on the lives of transgender as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer youth.

When assessing the validity of conversion therapy, or other practices that seek to change an individual’s gender identity or sexual orientation, it is as imperative to seek guidance from certified medical experts. The overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that conversion therapy, especially when it is practiced on young people, is neither medically nor ethically appropriate and can cause substantial harm.

As part of our dedication to protecting America’s youth, this Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors.

Valerie also noted that President Obama was aware of Leelah's story and wants to do something about it. Hence, he has called to end all conversion therapy for LGBT youth.

Please click on the links above for more info. This is an amazing move from the president, hopefully, he will get this done.

Former Ex-Gay Leaders want to Ban Gay Conversion Therapy

Interesting morning news.

Nine former ex-gay leaders have signed a letter with the National Center for Lesbian Rights on ending gay conversion therapy. These leaders come from Exodus International and Love in Action.

Buzzfeed reports:

“At one time, we were not only deeply involved in these ‘ex-gay’ programs, we were the founders, the leaders, and the promoters,” they said in the letter. “Together we represent more than half a century of experience, so few people are more knowledgeable about the ineffectiveness and harm of conversion therapy. We know first-hand the terrible emotional and spiritual damage it can cause, especially for LGBT youth.”

The former ex-gay leaders, many of whom worked at organizations involved in the practice for several years, say they “know better now.” And many of the organizations they were involved in have shuttered or rebranded, like Exodus International, which very publicly announced it would shut down last summer. But gay conversion therapy is still practiced in many parts of the country, according to the NCLR.

See, interesting to say the least. Read the letter after the jump

PA. Rep. Brian Sims plans to introduce a Bill banning Gay 'Conversion Therapy' - WATCH