W.Va. moves to change laws instead of people
West Virginia passed conversion therapy bans in two major cities this year.
In August, Charleston was the first city to enact such an ordinance, while Morgantown followed in October. These bans are in line with surrounding states, such as Maryland and Virginia, who have statewide bans on conversion therapy.
Conversion therapy is a practice that attempts to change one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. While conversion therapy has been deemed harmful by medical and behavioral professionals, including the American Psychological Association, this practice continues to be supported in many areas, unfortunately.
With West Virginia having two cities with an ordinance, that allows for only 4% of the LGBTQ population to be protected against the harmful practice. Not only is this form of “therapy” ineffective, but it is dangerous. In a report published June 10, 2020, by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, it was found that non-transgender LGB people who experienced conversion therapy were almost twice as likely to think about suicide and to attempt suicide compared to their peers who did not experience conversion therapy.
Additionally, the report stated approximately 7% of LGB people have experienced conversion therapy and, out of that sample, 81% experienced it through a religious leader and 31% experienced it through a medical provider; some people experienced conversion therapy from both religious advisors and health care providers.
According to the United States Census Bureau, West Virginia has 160 cities. Currently, two cities have a ban on conversion therapy. A study published Feb. 16, 2021, by the Williams Institute School of Law cites more than 68,000 LGBTQ people are vulnerable in West Virginia and, of that population, approximately 10,300 are under the age of 18.
In conclusion, West Virginia has roughly 10,300 youth spread across 160 cities and we only have a conversion therapy ban in two cities. West Virginia must keep moving towards a statewide ban to protect one of the most vulnerable populations from the harmful practices of conversion therapy.
Deane Stuckey
Morgantown
