Bill would ban Idaho mental health providers from practicing conversion therapy on minors

A new bill would ban licensed mental health professionals in Idaho from practicing conversion therapy on LGBTQ minors under 18.

The bill, introduced Thursday by Rep. John McCrostie, D-Garden City, defines conversion therapy as any practice that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

“This dangerous and discredited practice is opposed by prominent professional medical and mental health organizations,” McCrostie said during a House committee meeting, naming several organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

A national survey from the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, found that youth who were exposed to conversion therapy reported having attempted suicide at more than twice the rate of those who were not.

The bill would apply only to mental health professionals, not to clergy members, religious counselors, parents or grandparents. Religion can’t be regulated under the First Amendment, McCrostie said. The House Health and Welfare Committee voted to introduce the bill.

“Today, we are one step closer to making sure LGBTQ youth in Idaho are protected from this dangerous practice that has led so many young people to take their lives,” McCrostie said in a statement. “By banning conversion therapy for minors, we can prevent suicide and better safeguard our LGBTQ youth, helping put them on the path to future success.”

Many states across the U.S. have laws banning mental health professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors.

Earlier this month, McCrostie introduced another bill that would add protections from discrimination for LGBTQ residents under the Idaho Human Rights Act by adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the protected classes.

The bill likely won’t get a hearing or move forward.

Becca Savransky covers education for the Idaho Statesman in partnership with Report for America. The position is partly funded through community support. Click here to donate.